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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take 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 ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"