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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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