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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

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

"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 points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"