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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official 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 whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"