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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 fixture at the Etihad

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"