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

Leeds got off to the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a change of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling boss Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"This isn't the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a solution"

Manager's Frustration

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in terms of fair play and fair play and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of personally. But if it is allowed by the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Stoppage-Time Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored less top-flight strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of boldness particularly around substitutions, was nearly rewarded for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly reversed their situation

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, stated that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put two in attack and altered the formation a little bit," said Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a couple of aspects and it improved from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight successive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign ended with relegation

However, while Farke said that "our overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided enough proof to indicate they are able of arresting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of belief. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the results," Farke added

"We possessed the belief prior to the game, during the game and following the game. Or else you can't respond with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been far from comfortable in this second period"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a massive pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this afternoon"