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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the half-time break

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back following the break following a adjustment of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately following the restart

And with City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the bounds of the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an additional 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 Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League goals this term

Strategic Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, stated that his team were only capable to reorganize following Guardiola's touchline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they deployed a pair up top and changed the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Positive Signs for Leeds

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

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our overriding emotion is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their current run and moving up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the game, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"