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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish 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 just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated 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 performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"