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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"