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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"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 approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to earn the points," Farke added

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed 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 came on and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"