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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "bend the rules" in their top-flight fixture at the Etihad

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

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

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to cope with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to summon his players to the sideline and issue new instructions during the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. 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 keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I ask the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our footballers in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive defeat in seven Premier League fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Changes

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and altered the setup a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to gain control of the match. We assembled on the side of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds suffered four successive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their season concluded with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our main emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to indicate they are capable of arresting their present run and climbing back up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great chance to win the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a performance like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

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

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds United's campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of quality. They escaped with one this evening"