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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 worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from 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 frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"