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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

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

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"