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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to 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-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," 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 clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Tactical Adjustments

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

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period display provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing up the standings

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

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

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"