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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving back up the standings

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

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"