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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee 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 sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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