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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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