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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"