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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic 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 United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"