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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win 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 way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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