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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows 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 regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with 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 resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra 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 winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display 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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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