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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Frustration

"I ask 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 terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"