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

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just 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 like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the belief before the game, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"