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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? 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 up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point 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 sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"