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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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