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

Second Period Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new directions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within 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"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold decision at the interval that almost turned around their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together 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 Aspects for Leeds United

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period performance provided sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and moving up the standings

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

"We had the belief before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"