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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody 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 should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected 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 manner they have played in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"