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Leeds head coach 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 start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. 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 Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised 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 could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"