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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 got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

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

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

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

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"