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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. 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 for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came 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 City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"