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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side 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 put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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