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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"