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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold 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 crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"