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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break following a change of tactics 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 levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes 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 approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot 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- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"