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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"