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Leeds head coach Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" during their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied following the break after a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is smart. If I approve? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? 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 Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I can't complain"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," said Phil Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds lost four straight consecutive top-flight games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season ended with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided enough evidence to suggest they are capable of arresting their current form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second half"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"