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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester 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 played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"