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

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

Second-Half Comeback Denied

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish 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 whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil 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 little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"