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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"