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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone 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 rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you want 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 exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive 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 questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"