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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment 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 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 like myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second period display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this performance with the way they have played in this second half"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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