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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"