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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations 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 within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display 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 responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"