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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager added

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"