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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their Premier League fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new directions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

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

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored fewer top-flight goals this season

Strategic Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the half-time that almost reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his side were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"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 Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of arresting their current form and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to win the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the manner they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the City centre-backs"

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