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

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

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

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

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"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 in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"