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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations 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 allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"