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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried 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 gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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