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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"