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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules 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 Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

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

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds 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 often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"