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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Denied

However, Leeds rallied after the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

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

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous decision at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. Second half they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough proof to suggest they are capable of halting their present run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the confidence prior to the game, during the fixture and following the game. Or else you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds United can take 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 responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

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