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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 the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds suffered four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness 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 game. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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