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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? 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 assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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 nearly turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can derive 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 proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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