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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning 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 Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

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