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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. 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 keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed 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 was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"