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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

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

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable 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 way they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"