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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted 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 smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and moving back up the standings

"Displaying such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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