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

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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