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 had 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 e book 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 each side annoyed.
Requested if Arsenal had been the masters of the darkish arts, Switzerland worldwide Akanji advised reporters: “Yeah, however in the long run we at all times gained the title and I don’t assume it’s going to be totally different this 12 months.
“I don’t assume there are various 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. Considered one of their group went over to inform the keeper to go on the ground and stuff like this. In the long run, it’s as much as the referee to manage these conditions all through the entire season. There’s nothing else we will 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 crimson noticed Arsenal take totally different method
Erling Haaland had earlier put the hosts forward along with his one centesimal Metropolis aim just for Arsenal to return roaring again and take the lead by way of 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 traditional easy-on-the-eye soccer to a extra rudimental method.
“All the time once we play towards them, that’s what they’re searching for,” Akanji added. “The drama. Going laborious within the duels, defence, 11 gamers in their very own field after which go on set items and attempt to rating a aim.
“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 sport but. We tried, particularly within the second half with one man up however it’s laborious with 10 gamers defending in their very own field.
“We tried our greatest, in the long run we needed to hold pushing till the tip. Fortunately in the long run we scored a aim and received one level.”
The feistiness continued after the ultimate whistle with Haaland exchanging phrases with Arteta and different Arsenal gamers. Stories this morning recommended no additional motion by the Soccer Affiliation could be taken.
The way it panned out on the Etihad Stadium 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/N7yqHpdnGs
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 23, 2024
