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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"