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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and moving back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"