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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory 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 played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive 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 campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"