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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned 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 might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"