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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

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

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

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

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"