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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

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

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded 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 capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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