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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve 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 wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually 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 regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"