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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, 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 looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"