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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"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 in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often 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 might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"