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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 top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? 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 governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"