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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Denied

However, the visitors rallied following the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury 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 can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a performance like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds 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 criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"