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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't 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 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 questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this afternoon"