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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"