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Leeds head coach 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 got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"