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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"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 within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

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

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"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 City centre-backs"

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