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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted 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 bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester 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 played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"