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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back after the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

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

"We possessed the belief before the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"