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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

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

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

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"