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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the resumption

And with City visibly having difficulty to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? 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 governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this term

Tactical Changes

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

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize after Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair up top and changed the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second-half performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present form and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of quality. They escaped with one this evening"