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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" in their Premier League match at the Etihad

The visitors got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden scoring within the opening 60 seconds, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds fought back after the interval after a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away after the resumption

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue new instructions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he collapsed," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to do something. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play 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 like myself. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time winner sent Leeds to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness especially around substitutions, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that nearly turned around their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Foden, said that his side were only capable to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and changed the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the edge of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Aspects for Leeds

The most recent occasion Leeds United suffered four straight successive top-flight matches was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

Nevertheless, while Farke stated that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current run and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to win the points," Farke continued

"We possessed the confidence prior to the game, throughout the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have great togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"