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

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

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. 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"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United lost four consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"