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

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

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. 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 for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds United 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 questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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