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

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. 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 for the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," the manager continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, 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 United can take a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"