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

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive 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 knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"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 in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, throughout the fixture and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

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

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

"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 physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"