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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward 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 half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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