Kyle Walker and John Stones Accuse Arsenal of "Dark Arts" Tactics

Kyle Walker and John Stones of Manchester City accused Arsenal of using “dark arts” tactics during their 2-2 draw in Sunday’s Premier League clash where Arsenal played with 10 men following Leandro Trossard’s red card. Kyle Walker and John Stones pointed out that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya took his time during restarts which allowed manager Mikel Arteta to provide tactical instructions.

Additionally, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had yet to make his Premier League debut received a booking for “unsporting behaviour” after he spoke to Raya before going down with cramp. Arteta praised his team’s rearguard action as “a miracle,” while BBC’s Phil McNulty called them “streetwise.” Pep Guardiola acknowledged City’s frustration but insisted his side remained “honest.”

He noted how difficult it was to manage Arsenal’s tactics and emphasized the need for his players to stay calm and avoid fouls. City fans booed Raya for taking what they perceived as excessive time with goal kicks.  Statistics reveal that Arsenal has the longest average restart time in the Premier League this season taking 33.5 seconds across dead-ball situations like goal-kicks and free-kicks.

Tension escalated as Arsenal players including Gabriel Martinelli went down with cramp multiple times, a tactic often viewed as a way to slow the game and disrupt the opposition’s momentum.  Despite the accusations, Andros Townsend pointed out that City also engages in similar “dark arts” tactics, frequently disrupting counter-attacks by committing fouls to halt play.

Ultimately, John Stones’ last-minute goal secured a point for City but the match ignited debates about the fine line between gamesmanship and foul play, a topic as old as football itself.