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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat 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 term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current run and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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