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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"