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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

Furthermore with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get treatment, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue new directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this moment if you wish to do something. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in regards of sportsmanship and fair play and whatever and if we simply try to bend the rules 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 within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven Premier League matches to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly vindicated for a courageous decision at the interval that almost turned around their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Daniel Farke stated that "their overriding feeling is frustration", their second-half performance offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us plenty of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, throughout the fixture and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't come back with a showing like that. We have strong unity and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is frequently questioned for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City defenders"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"