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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? 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"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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