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Leeds United manager 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 poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"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 in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field 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 occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often 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 might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"