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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. 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 keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable 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 often 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 might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"