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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers 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 fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"