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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch 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 occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"