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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win 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 frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"