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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"