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Leeds United head coach 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 made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

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

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"