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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows 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 regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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