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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory 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"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"