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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

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-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four successive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second half"

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"