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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 match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came 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 defenders"

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