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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 Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play 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 like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were 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 Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"