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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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