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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 fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"