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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

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

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

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 present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"