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

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Denied

However, the visitors fought back following the break following a change of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly having difficulty to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to summon his team to the touchline and issue fresh directions in the 120 seconds the game was stopped for

"Everybody knows why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the regulations. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"If we don't teach our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's stoppage-time winner sent Leeds United to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolves having notched fewer Premier League strikes this term

Tactical Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a lack of boldness especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a courageous choice at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

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

"During the break we were in command. Second half they emerged, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and changed the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We really had difficulty to gain control of the game. We assembled on the side of the field and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds

The last occasion Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League games was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Daniel Farke said that "our main feeling is frustration", their second-half display offered enough evidence to indicate they are capable of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"Displaying such a display should give us lots of belief. If we demonstrate such spirit and unity we have a great opportunity to win the points," Farke added

"We possessed the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the game. Otherwise you cannot respond with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic forward Chris Sutton said: "Everybody expected it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but easy in this second half"

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

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

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"