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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock 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"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly 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 able to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered sufficient proof to suggest they are able of halting their current form and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the game, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"