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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"