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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised 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 pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"