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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely 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 suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"