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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should 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 point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"