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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the restart

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we educate our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched fewer Premier League goals this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. Second half they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and moving back up the table

"Displaying such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager added

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward win for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way 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 was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

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