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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"