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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted 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 regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided 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 belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"