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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"