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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often 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 might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"