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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"