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Leeds head coach 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 got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. 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 up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything 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 approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form 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 opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"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 physically challenged the City defenders"

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