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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled 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 Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often 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 massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"