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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish 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 everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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