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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. 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 fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"