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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point 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 fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"