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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused City keeper 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 advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this term

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United lost four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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