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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, 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 two up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

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