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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve 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 options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers 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 simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"