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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury 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 have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"