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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

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

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"