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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side 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 two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

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

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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