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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows 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 regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players 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 order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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