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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

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