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Leeds United 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 worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"