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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their top-flight match at Etihad Stadium

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, Leeds rallied following the interval following a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of 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 reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to do something. Our hands are tied"

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having notched less top-flight goals this season

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold decision at the half-time that almost turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to reorganize after Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed two up top and changed the setup a little bit," said Foden

"We really struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient proof to suggest they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing up the table

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

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"