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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

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

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Or else you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from 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 adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"