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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable 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 questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"