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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit 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"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely 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 vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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