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

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"