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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance provided enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

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

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds 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 defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"