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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"