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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

Leeds made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. 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 up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the setup a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"