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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional 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 Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"