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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

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

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"