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

Leeds made the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," 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 like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to indicate they are able of halting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"