Leeds United boss Daniel Farke felt Man City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma simulated an injury in the second half of their top-flight clash
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad
Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break
Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart
And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for
"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented
"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"
"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"
"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"
Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term
Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players
"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden
"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"
The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion
However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the standings
"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added
"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"
Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy 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 often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"
"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"
