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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not 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 spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

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

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester 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 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' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"