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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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