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

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two up top and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"