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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"