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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was halted for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? 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"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

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

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, during the game and after the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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