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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 Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together 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 United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"