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

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the interval after a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately following the restart

And with Manchester City visibly having difficulty to cope with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and issue new directions during the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I ask the fourth official at this point if you wish to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to exploit regulations 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 within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less top-flight strikes this term

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a absence of adventure especially around changes, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their situation

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only able to reorganize after Guardiola's sideline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the match. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds

The last time Leeds suffered four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their season concluded with demotion

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their current form and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great chance to win the points," Farke added

"We had the belief prior to the game, during the fixture and following the encounter. Or else you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and fighting spirit in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

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

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but City discovered a measure of quality. They got away with one this evening"