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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and moving back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

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