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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within 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 resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty 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"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"