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

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the interval

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and issue fresh directions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually 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 rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

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

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have played in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"