Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports.
Manager Dismisses Time Wasting Claims as "Normal" Football Strategy
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his team’s tactics in the dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester City, which saw the Gunners reduced to 10 men following Leandro Trossard’s sending off. Accused by City players John Stones and Kyle Walker of time wasting and employing "dark arts," Arteta insists Arsenal’s approach was "normal" given the circumstances of the match.
Arsenal Forced to Defend with 10 Men
After Trossard’s dismissal during first half stoppage time, Arsenal faced an uphill battle, eventually conceding a late equalizer in the 98th minute. Arteta explained that his team had no choice but to defend deeply to hold onto their lead against City, who enjoyed a numerical advantage for much of the game. Arteta pointed to a similar situation when City played with 10 men following Rodri’s injury, defending their tactics as "normal" under the circumstances.
Arteta Responds to 'Dark Arts' Claims
City defenders Stones and Walker criticized Arsenal for slowing the game down, calling it an example of "dark arts." However, Arteta shrugged off these accusations, stating, "We had to play the game that we had to play." He noted that in similar situations, such as their 2021 5-0 loss to City after Granit Xhaka’s red card, his team needed to adapt and learn from past experiences.
Injuries Add to Arsenal's Woes
Arsenal’s second half saw several players, including David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Martinelli, suffer from cramp, fueling accusations of time wasting. Arteta revealed that the injuries sustained during the match would keep some key players out of their upcoming EFL Cup tie against Bolton, saying, "Unfortunately, yes, there will be a few players not available."
Arteta's Approach to Time Wasting and Bookings
Trossard’s second yellow card came after kicking the ball away following a foul, marking the second time this season an Arsenal player has been sent off for such an action. Arteta admitted he may need to remind his players about the rules, advising them to "just leave the ball, don't touch the ball. We play without the ball."
As Arsenal looks ahead to their next fixtures, Arteta remains focused on facts over accusations, aiming to put the controversy behind them.
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