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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows 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 regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving back up the table

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

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"