On the second deformation lemma (Q5946916)

Let \(X\) be a metric space and \(f:X\rightarrow\mathbb R\) a continuous function. A point \(u\in X\) is said to be critical if \(|df|(u)=0\) where \(|df|(u)\) is the weak slope of \(f\) at \(u\) as defined by \textit{M. Degiovanni} and \textit{M. Marzocchi} [Ann. Math. Pura Appl., IV. Ser. 167, 73-100 (1994; Zbl 0828.58006)]. For \(a\in\mathbb R\) set \(f^a=\{u\in X:\;f(u)<a\}\) and \(K_a=\{u\in X:|df|(u)=0, f(u)=a\}\). The second deformation lemma states that if \(K_c=\emptyset\) and \(f^{-1}([a,c])\) is complete for every \(c\in(a,b)\), if in addition the Palais-Smale condition is satisfied in \(f^{-1}([a,b])\) and if \(K_a\) is totally disconnected, then \(f^a\cup K_a\) is a weak deformation retract of \(f^b\). The author presents a new proof of this lemma.