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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play 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 talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"