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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

And with City clearly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that nearly reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display offered enough proof to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Or else you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can take a lot from this display with the manner they have performed 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 came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It looked like it could be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"