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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side 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 United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

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