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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"