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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back following the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands 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 like it? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a measure of quality. They escaped with one this afternoon"