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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 Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds fought back following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with 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 resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time 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 Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their current form and moving back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed 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 unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"