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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

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

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but 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 changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"