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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic 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 take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

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