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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"