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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"