Mikel Arteta is set to address the media on Tuesday for the first time since several Manchester City players criticized Arsenal’s tactics during Sunday’s thrilling 2-2 Premier League draw.
Although the press conference is intended to preview Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Bolton Wanderers, much of the attention is likely to focus on the fallout from the recent match. Manuel Akanji is the latest City player to voice complaints about Arsenal’s alleged use of “dark arts” during the game, in which David Raya delivered a standout performance but later left the field with his right knee bandaged.
Here are the key stories surrounding Arsenal over the past 24 hours.
Akanji blast
Manuel Akanji labeled Arsenal as the masters of football’s “dark arts” but insisted that their tactics won’t be enough to dethrone Manchester City as title holders.
Following Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw, City players Bernardo Silva and John Stones criticized Arsenal for their time-wasting tactics, and Akanji echoed their sentiments. He accused Mikel Arteta’s side of embracing the “drama” that comes with such an approach, further criticizing their crude style of play.
Read Also: Liverpool ‘want’ three Bayer Leverkusen stars as £16m target ’emerges’
Raya fear
Mikel Arteta faces another injury concern as David Raya was seen limping onto the Arsenal team bus with his right knee bandaged after his strong performance in Sunday’s dramatic draw against Manchester City.
The Spanish goalkeeper made several outstanding saves, helping the 10-man Gunners nearly secure a win, though he couldn’t prevent John Stones’ late equalizer. Following the intense match, which saw multiple player clashes, Raya appeared to be among the injured at full-time, adding to the pressure on a squad already dealing with an early-season injury crisis.