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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, 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 assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"