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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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