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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just 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 personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"