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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 top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

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

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"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 physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"