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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules 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 within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled 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 get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"