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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned 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 could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"