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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"