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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied following the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? 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 determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"