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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to 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 moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty 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 vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"