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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get 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 knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? 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 resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a 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 little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

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

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"