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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"