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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point 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 fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"