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Leeds 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 made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"