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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

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

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"