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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"