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Leeds United 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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever 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 approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Changes

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

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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