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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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