Manchester Metropolis defender Manuel Akanji was unimpressed by Arsenal’s ways in yesterday’s pulsating 2-2 draw and vowed to not let Mikel Arteta’s males declare their Premier League crown.
Arsenal have been denied a well-known win on the Etihad after John Stones snatched an 98th-minute equaliser for Pep Guardiola’s four-time defending champions.
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The Gunners had used each trick within the guide to protect their 2-1 benefit for 45 minutes following the sending-off of Leandro Trossard in first-half damage time.
The defensive set-up, and in depth time-wasting, appeared to have labored till substitute Stones had the ultimate say, leaving either side annoyed.
Requested if Arsenal have been the masters of the darkish arts, Switzerland worldwide Akanji instructed reporters: “Yeah, however ultimately we at all times received the title and I don’t assume it’s going to be completely different this yr.
“I don’t assume there are numerous higher than them at it. That’s what they’re searching for. We have now to defend ourselves as a result of in each duel, each free kick that was given, they went on the ground.
“Gamers go on the ground to stand up, dash again once more, go on the ground once more. One in every of their crew went over to inform the keeper to go on the ground and stuff like this. Ultimately, it’s as much as the referee to manage these conditions all through the entire season. There’s nothing else we are able to do about it.”
“Keep humble eh” 🔥
Hearken to Erling Haaland’s feedback to Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta at full-time following the 2-2 draw 🚨 pic.twitter.com/sXVYrK7hw9
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 23, 2024
Trossard pink noticed Arsenal take completely different method
Erling Haaland had earlier put the hosts forward together with his a hundredth Metropolis purpose just for Arsenal to come back roaring again and take the lead by an excellent strike from Riccardo Calafiori and a trademark Gabriel header from a nook.
Trossard’s dismissal change the course of the sport and prompted Arsenal to divert from their regular easy-on-the-eye soccer to a extra rudimental method.
“All the time once we play in opposition to them, that’s what they’re searching for,” Akanji added. “The drama. Going arduous within the duels, defence, 11 gamers in their very own field after which go on set items and attempt to rating a purpose.
“It labored for them so in the event that they’re pleased with the one level… we’re not, we tried to get extra however that’s what they’re pleased with.
“On the finish of the day, we’re nonetheless high of the league. We haven’t misplaced a recreation but. We tried, particularly within the second half with one man up however it’s arduous with 10 gamers defending in their very own field.
“We tried our greatest, ultimately we needed to hold pushing till the top. Fortunately ultimately we scored a purpose and acquired one level.”
The feistiness continued after the ultimate whistle with Haaland exchanging phrases with Arteta and different Arsenal gamers. Studies this morning advised no additional motion by the Soccer Affiliation can be taken.
The way it panned out on the Etihad Stadium 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/N7yqHpdnGs
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 23, 2024
