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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game 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 clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

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

"Leeds can take a lot from this display 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 Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"