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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply 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 like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"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 looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"