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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands 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 regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt 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"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging 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 season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"