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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even 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 can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"