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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 top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell 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 determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to 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' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"