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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold 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 brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

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

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance 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 proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"