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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. 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 solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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