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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"