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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

Furthermore with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"