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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"