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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this point 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 whatever and if we just try 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 myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this term

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and changed the setup a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

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

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the match, throughout the game and after the game. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been anything but easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often questioned 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 huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"