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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- 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 half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"