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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually 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 can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"