Manchester City were incensed that Michael Oliver drew Kyle Walker out of his position and subsequently permitted Arsenal to take a fast free-kick in the lead-up to their first goal.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has expressed the possibility of instructing his captain not to comply with the referee after being incensed by Arsenal’s opening goal on Sunday.
At the conclusion of a 2-2 stalemate against their title rivals at the Etihad Stadium, City secured an equalizer in the 98th minute through John Stones. Referee Michael Oliver was a man of action, and his decision to dismiss Leandro Trossard for postponing the resumption at the conclusion of the first half caused frustration for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Guardiola was agitated for his own reasons, as City was commenting on Arsenal’s efforts to slow down the game in the second half. City were also incensed by Riccardo Calafiori’s goal, which was scored after a free kick that was taken swiftly. Right-back Kyle Walker was not prepared, as he had been beckoned by Oliver mere moments prior.
Guardiola was observed kicking his dugout chair in fury after Calafiori curled a stunning finish past Ederson from the fringe of the area. Additionally, the City manager provided his perspective on the circumstance following a conversation with his commander during halftime.He stated in his post-match press conference, “I was [annoyed] with Kyle, but Kyle was correct, as the referee had requested that he come and converse with him with the other players.” “When this occurs, it is necessary to adjust the back four and ensure that certain individuals are in close proximity to the ball. However, we were unable to do so.”
“However, there is no need for concern; Kyle arrived at the position one second prior to Calafiori’s goal, which is why it transpired in the end.” But we were aware that they could always quickly deliver a free kick to the wingers, and they are particularly adept at working with Saka and Martinelli.
“I am not fond of the back four when there is a full move in progress. However, when the referee commands, ‘Come and talk to me,’ at least allow the players to return to their positions, as we will not approach them in the future.” Kyle is not the issue.
Walker had returned to his right-back position by the time Arsenal released Gabriel Martinelli down the left flank. However, as he raced back, his arm extended straight up in an attempt to appeal. The Arsenal winger entered the area and then passed the ball back to Calafiori, who curled it into the far corner.
Arsenal’s assertion that their players were experiencing cramps to impede the pace of the game was one of City’s grievances with the game’s outcome. Bernardo Silva, the midfielder for City, stated, “There was only one team that came to play football.” “Unfortunately, the other player arrived to compete to the extent of the referee’s permissible actions.”
