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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order 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 Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"