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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, 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 might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"