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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

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

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"