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

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the break following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to bend the rules and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this term

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the standings

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager continued

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

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second half"

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

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"