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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

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

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds 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 criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"