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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"