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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"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 roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"