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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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