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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture 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 Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"