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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"