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

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

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"