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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it could 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"