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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"