One Manchester City player has now taken aim at Mikel Arteta for the tactics he deployed as Arsenal earned a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Manuel Akanji was not pleased with the style of play that Arsenal adopted on Sunday.
Arsenal took a conservative approach to the match at the Etihad Stadium. The Gunners had a clear game-plan, as they sat deep for the majority of the match, soaking up pressure with men behind the ball, waiting for an opportunity to try to spring a counter-attack.
This is not the kind of football that Arsenal fans have become accustomed to seeing from Mikel Arteta’s side. The north London club have been a prolific attacking force so far in 2024, yet they certainly had a good reason to take a safety first approach in the north west on this occasion.
The Gunners have a dreadful recent record on the road against the reigning champions. By defending diligently on Sunday, Arsenal were able to earn their first Premier League point against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium since 2016.
Beyond that, in the context of the Premier League title race, it was vital that Arteta’s side did not lose this game.
How Arsenal were able to stop Man City
Arsenal ensured that they avoided defeat by remaining compact, defending in numbers, and nullifying the hosts’ key threats. For instance, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were dominant in their physical battle with Erling Haaland. In the meantime, Declan Rice restricted Kevin De Bruyne’s space and passing options.
If ever a Manchester City player did find himself in a promising position, or if the Gunners looked vulnerable to a counter-attack, then the situation was addressed quickly by one of Arteta’s men by fair means or foul.
Arsenal committed twenty fouls in this match, many of which had a cynical edge as they were made to prevent a Manchester City attack from becoming a greater threat.
Manchester City star slams Mikel Arteta tactics
Akanji has now taken issue with this approach from the Gunners. As quoted by The Guardian, the defender was asked after the match if he felt Arsenal broke rules and used unfair means of securing a result.
He said, “Definitely. When we got through sometimes they stopped us with the fouls. If there’s no action to it [from the referee], it’s hard…I didn’t understand some of the decisions but, in the end, we still should be able to score a goal.”
Referee Anthony Taylor certainly took a lenient approach in this match and only showed two yellow cards in the entire game, and neither were for fouls. One was handed to Gabriel Jesus for throwing the ball away, and the other was shown to David Raya for time wasting.
Taylor’s approach was at least consistent, as both Manchester City and Arsenal players can consider themselves fortunate to have avoided more bookings.
There is also an element of hypocrisy to Akanji’s complaints, as many Manchester City stars, namely Rodri, have mastered the art of a well-timed cynical foul themselves.