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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the interval

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh 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 clear. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within 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 resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

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

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

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

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds suffered four straight successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such determination and unity we have a great chance to win the results," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "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"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often 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 might be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but Manchester City discovered a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"