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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled 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"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"