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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "exploit the regulations" in their top-flight match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied after the break after a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away following the resumption

And with City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the touchline and deliver fresh instructions in the 120 seconds the game was halted for

"Everybody understands why he collapsed," Farke stated

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the bounds of the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the spirit of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the fourth official at this moment if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in an attempt to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's stoppage-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

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

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

"At half-time we were in command. Second half they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a bit," commented Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and unity we have a excellent chance to win the results," Farke continued

"We had the confidence before the game, throughout the game and after the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable win for City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

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

"It looked like it might be a massive turning point in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"