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

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

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

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, 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 turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"