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

Leeds got off to the worst possible start with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol extended the home side's lead before the interval

Second Period Comeback Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors rallied following the interval following a change of strategy and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

Furthermore with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to get attention, enabling manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the touchline and issue fresh instructions during the two minutes the game was halted for

"Everyone understands why he collapsed," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's in line with the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the authorities to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

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

"Unless we teach our players in the game what to do in regards of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply attempt to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the rules I can't complain"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time winner condemned Leeds United to a sixth loss in seven top-flight fixtures to leave them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolverhampton having scored less Premier League strikes this season

Tactical Adjustments

Nonetheless, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a courageous choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to television pundits, Foden, said that his team were only capable to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they came out, harried us a lot higher, they deployed two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We genuinely had difficulty to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was vital to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds

The most recent time Leeds lost four successive top-flight matches was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

However, while Farke stated that "their main emotion is frustration", their second-half display provided sufficient evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present form and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should give us lots of confidence. If we show such determination and togetherness we have a great chance to earn the points," Farke continued

"We had the belief prior to the match, during the fixture and after the game. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Expert Opinion

Speaking on radio analysis, ex- Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a straightforward victory for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds United can derive a lot from this performance with the manner they have performed in this second period"

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

"It appeared like it might be a huge turning point in Leeds' season, but Manchester City found a measure of brilliance. They escaped with one this evening"