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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"