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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"