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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? 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"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

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