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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 top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run 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 results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"