Mikel Arteta responds to 'dark arts' claims following Man City draw

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claims that his side played how they "had to" after securing a 2-2 draw against Premier League title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

Sunday's intense clash provided plenty of drama after the Gunners were reduced to ten men following Leandro Trossard's red card just before half-time. Arsenal were forced to defend a 2-1 lead for the remaining 45 minutes, camping out in front of David Raya's box to escape with three points.

However, their efforts faltered in the final moments as John Stones pounced on a rebound to break Arsenal's otherwise impenetrable resistance, meaning both sides took a point.

Following the result, City stars have not shied away from sharing their views, claiming that Arsenal used 'dark arts' to stay ahead for so long.

"Well, we had to play the game that we had to play," Arteta told reporters when asked to address this theory. "The first 15 minutes, we couldn't. [City] played 30 seconds with ten men. Look what they did. It's normal what they did.

"Unfortunately we've been in the same situation. We were in that same situation with Granit [Xhaka] when we lost 5-0 [in 2021]. So we'd better learn. If not I would be very thick. I always prefer the facts to words, or supposing things."

The Gunners boss took the time to detail who would be available for Wednesday's clash with League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup, claiming that goalkeeper Raya could miss the fixture after picking up a knee injury against City.

Arsenal and City remain unbeaten so far, the Gunners two points behind the leaders and reigning champions as it stands. Arteta's side are set to host newly-promoted Leicester City on Saturday when they return to league action, but first face League One's Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

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