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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture 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 advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

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

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"