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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 Premier League fixture at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

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

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Talking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only able to regroup after Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the formation a bit," said Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last time Leeds United suffered four consecutive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign ended with demotion

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their present run and moving up the standings

"Displaying such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a excellent chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

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