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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"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 clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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