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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the results," Farke added

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

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"