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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within 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 up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"