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

The visitors 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-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack 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, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

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

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"