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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship 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 like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

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

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"