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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"