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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury 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 can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

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

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have played 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 was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"