Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports.
Silva Criticizes Arsenal's Tactics After Dramatic 2-2 Draw
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva has accused Arsenal of employing "dark arts" during their dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw at the Etihad Stadium. The Gunners, reduced to 10 men after Leandro Trossard’s controversial red card in the first half, managed to hold off City’s relentless attacks for much of the second period, with manager Mikel Arteta praising his side’s resilience in a match he described as a "miracle."
City Frustrated by Arsenal's Defensive Tactics
After John Stones' 98th minute header denied Arsenal a famous victory, City players expressed their frustration over the Gunners' defensive strategy and alleged time wasting tactics. Silva, in particular, voiced his discontent, stating, "There was only one team that came to play football," and accusing Arsenal of pushing the limits of what was permitted by the referee. City had 28 shots in the second half alone, dominating possession while Arsenal defended with just 12.5% possession after Trossard’s dismissal.
Arteta’s "Miracle" at the Etihad
Despite City’s dominance, Arsenal came close to becoming the first away team to win at the Etihad since November 2022. Arteta was quick to praise his team for their effort, calling it a "miracle" that they played with 10 men for over 56 minutes and still came close to securing all three points. The Gunners’ boss admitted that, in most scenarios, a team down a man against City would "lose by a lot of goals."
Controversial Red Card and Time Wasting Allegations
Trossard's sending off was a major talking point. Having already been booked, he received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away after fouling Silva, a decision that infuriated Arsenal fans, who pointed out that City’s Jeremy Doku had done something similar earlier in the game without punishment. Arteta chose not to comment extensively on the incident, leaving it to the media to analyze.
City’s players also criticized Arsenal's perceived time wasting tactics, with John Stones remarking, "They slow the game down.They use it to their advantage." While Kyle Walker acknowledged that such tactics are "part and parcel of the game," he labeled them as the "dark arts."
Guardiola's Frustration with Refereeing Decisions
City manager Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated throughout the match, particularly after Arsenal’s quick free kick led to their equalizer. Guardiola, who was seen kicking a chair in the dugout, questioned the referee’s decision not to allow his team to properly reset before the set piece. He also expressed disappointment with the handling of key incidents, including Rodri's early injury after a collision with Thomas Partey.
Silva on City's Rivalry with Arsenal vs. Liverpool
Silva went on to compare City's rivalry with Arsenal to their previous battles with Liverpool, noting that the intensity with Arsenal feels different due to Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League victories. "Liverpool always faced us face to face to try to win the games, so by this perspective the games against Arsenal haven't been like the ones we had and have against Liverpool," he added.
A Match Defined by Controversy
The match was thrilling and full of drama, but both teams left with plenty of frustration over officiating and game management. Arteta, while proud of his team's performance, lamented that the match had been overshadowed by refereeing decisions, saying, "I cannot be happy. We’re not talking about tactics, we’re talking about decisions that shouldn’t define a game."
As City and Arsenal continue their intense rivalry at the top of the Premier League, the match will be remembered for its controversial moments, with both sides left to reflect on missed opportunities and contentious decisions.
