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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"