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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 the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"