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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 fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"