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Leeds manager Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net inside the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back following the break after a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City visibly having difficulty to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the 120 seconds play was halted for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is clever. If I like it? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a fake injury in an attempt 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 Winner

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

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

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

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, harried us a lot higher, they deployed a pair up top and altered the formation a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the field and adjusted a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds United

The last time Leeds United suffered four successive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their present form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and unity we have a great chance to earn the points," the manager added

"We had the belief before the match, during the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and roughed up the Manchester City defenders"

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