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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused 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 finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship 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 personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"