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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted 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 bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost 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 side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"