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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds 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 regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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