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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"