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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with 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 wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"