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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 match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

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

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"