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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. 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 determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated 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 manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"