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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

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 interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"