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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

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

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"