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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. 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 determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just 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 personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

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

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

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

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

"Following that were 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 looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"