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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors got off to the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden finding the net inside the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' lead ahead of the half-time break

Second Period Revival Thwarted

Nevertheless, Leeds rallied after the interval following a adjustment of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring immediately after the resumption

And with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and issue new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke stated

"It is not the obvious issue. Why he went down it was obvious. 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 authorities to determine a resolution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our hands are tied"

"If we don't educate our players in football what to do in regards of fair play and fair play and whatever and if we just attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team meeting, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having notched fewer top-flight strikes this term

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure particularly around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold decision at the interval that nearly turned around their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Guardiola's touchline meeting with his squad

"At half-time we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot more aggressively, they put two up top and altered the formation a bit," said Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to gain control of the match. We got together on the side of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That brief pause was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

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

However, while Daniel Farke said that "their overriding feeling is disappointment", their second period performance offered sufficient evidence to indicate they are able of halting their present form and climbing back up the table

"To show such a display should provide us lots of confidence. If we show such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent opportunity to earn the results," Farke added

"We had the confidence prior to the match, during the game and following the encounter. Otherwise you can't respond with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and determination in the dressing room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton said: "Everyone anticipated it to be a comfortable victory for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

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

"Following that were Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as proactive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It looked like it could be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' season, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"