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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 Etihad Stadium

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

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football 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 myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"