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

Leeds got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"