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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers 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 actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"