Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his side’s tactics in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City, calling them “normal” given the circumstances.
The Gunners conceded a 98th-minute equaliser at the Etihad Stadium after being reduced to 10 men following Leandro Trossard’s red card in first-half stoppage time.
Some Manchester City players, including John Stones and Kyle Walker, accused Arsenal of time-wasting and employing “dark arts” to protect their 2-1 lead.
Mikel Arteta, however, argued that his team had little choice but to adopt a more defensive stance after losing a player.
He also pointed to an earlier moment in the first half when City found themselves temporarily down to 10 men following an injury to Rodri.
“Well, we had to play the game that we had to play,” said Arteta.
The first 15 minutes, we couldn’t. They [City] played 30 seconds with 10 men.
“Look what they did. It’s normal what they did.
“Unfortunately we’ve been in the same situation.
“We were in that same situation with Granit [Xhaka] when we lost 5-0 [in 2021].
“So we’d better learn. If not I would be very thick.
“I always prefer the facts to words, or supposing things.
“Let’s see who’s available tomorrow and then we can talk about dark arts or these things.
“Unfortunately, yes, there will be a few players not available.”
Asked if any of the injuries sustained against City were serious, Arteta said: “We have to wait. One of them.”
Leandro Trossard received his second booking at the Etihad Stadium after kicking the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva.
This marks the second time this season that an Arsenal player has been sent off for this type of offence.
Earlier in August, Declan Rice was similarly dismissed against Brighton for the same infraction.
When asked whether he needs to remind his players about the rule, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded: “For passing the ball [away] you mean? I think so… just leave the ball, don’t touch the ball.
“We play without the ball.”
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