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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver new directions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee 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 fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"