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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. 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 for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the standings

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward 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 played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

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