Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji has not held back in his criticism of Arsenal’s tactics following their recent 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The defender accused Mikel Arteta’s side of excessive time-wasting and actively seeking out drama during the match.
The game saw John Stones scoring a last-ditch equalizer for City after Leandro Trossard received a controversial red card just before halftime. Despite Arsenal fighting back from Erling Haaland’s early goal and taking the lead with goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes, the points were ultimately shared.
City currently sits at the top of the Premier League table, with Arsenal trailing behind in fourth place. The match between the reigning champions and last year’s runners-up was filled with tension and chaos, culminating in a heated exchange between Haaland and Arteta at the final whistle.
Akanji expressed his frustration with Arsenal’s approach, stating that the team’s strategy seemed to be focused on creating drama and time-wasting tactics. He noted that Arsenal often defended with all 11 players in their own box and relied on set-pieces to score goals.
Despite the draw, Akanji emphasized City’s dominance in recent years and their unbeaten record this season. He highlighted the challenges of playing against a team that heavily defends and praised his team’s efforts to push for a win, even with a man advantage.
When asked about Arsenal’s use of what some may consider “dark arts” tactics, Akanji acknowledged their proficiency in such strategies but remained confident in City’s ability to ultimately prevail. He also commented on instances where he observed Arsenal players going to ground easily and receiving instructions from their backroom staff to engage in time-wasting behavior.
Akanji emphasized the importance of referees in controlling such situations and expressed frustration at the challenges of facing a team that employs such tactics. He highlighted the need for officials to maintain control throughout the season to prevent unfair advantages for certain teams.
In conclusion, Akanji’s criticism of Arsenal’s tactics sheds light on the complexities of competitive football and the strategies teams employ to gain an edge. The contentious nature of the match between City and Arsenal serves as a reminder of the intensity and drama that can unfold on the pitch. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how teams adapt and evolve in response to such challenges.