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

The visitors 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 advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," 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 smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"