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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone 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 performance with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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