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

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury 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 injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"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 roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"