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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point 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 sportsmanship and sportsmanship 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 allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

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