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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. 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 make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"