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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, Leeds fought back after the interval following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new directions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the division, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight strikes this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds lost four successive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"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 looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"