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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"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 simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"