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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt 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"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

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