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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody 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 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"