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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually 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"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the fixture 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 BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

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