Manchester City Accuse Arsenal of Using "Dark Arts" in Dramatic 2-2 Draw as Arteta Praises 'Miracle' Performance

Manchester City forward Bernardo Silva has criticized Arsenal for their approach in the dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw at the Etihad Stadium, accusing the Gunners of employing "dark arts" to disrupt the game. Despite the criticism, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the match as a "miracle" after his side came close to victory while playing with 10 men for the entire second half.

The heated clash saw Arsenal reduced to 10 men after Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off in first-half injury time, leaving the Gunners with just 12.5% possession in the second half. Despite facing relentless pressure from City, including 28 second-half shots—the most since their iconic 2012 title-winning match against QPR—Arsenal nearly held on for a famous victory.

John Stones’ 98th-minute equalizer denied Arsenal the chance to become the first team to win at the Etihad since Brentford in November 2022. City’s late goal returned them to the top of the Premier League, frustrating Arsenal's hopes of leapfrogging the defending champions.

Silva told TNT Sports Brazil.

Arteta, however, expressed pride in his team's resilience, emphasizing the extraordinary circumstances of playing over 50 minutes with a man down.

Trossard’s red card, given for kicking the ball away after barging Silva, was a contentious decision. Arsenal fans pointed out a similar incident involving City’s Jeremy Doku, who escaped without punishment. Arteta refrained from directly criticizing the officiating but alluded to inconsistencies in the application of the rules.

City defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker were critical of Arsenal's tactics, accusing them of deliberately slowing the game to disrupt City's momentum. Walker referred to Arsenal's strategy as part of the "dark arts," adding that while it frustrated City, it was effective in breaking up play.

Tensions between the two sides were further exacerbated by disputes over refereeing decisions, including a quick free-kick that led to Arsenal’s first goal, catching City off-guard. Manager Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated by the decision and later addressed the issue with officials.

Adding to City’s woes, midfielder Rodri was forced off in the first half due to injury after a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey. Silva lamented what he saw as a failure of officiating to protect players and maintain consistency throughout the match.

Despite the controversy, the clash highlighted the growing rivalry between City and Arsenal, with Silva contrasting it with City’s past battles against Liverpool.

Silva said.

Arteta, however, focused on the broader picture.

he concluded.