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Leeds United 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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"