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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together 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 Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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