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

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want 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 fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"