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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, 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 Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently 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 might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"