Premier League clubs ‘send concerns about Arsenal gamesmanship to PGMOL’ as Arteta’s side accused of ‘dark arts’

2 months ago 18

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have flagged concerns about Arsenal’s use of the “dark arts” last season.

And clubs might just do the same again after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

File photo dated 22/09/24 of Mikel Arteta, who supported his defensive tactics when Arsenal were reduced to 10 men during Sunday¿s 2-2 draw against Manchester City, adding he would have been ¿very thick¿ not to learn from his previous mistakes. Issue date: Tuesday September 24, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA WirePremier League clubs have raised concerns over Arsenal’s time-wasting to the PGMOL
Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Arsenal - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - September 22, 2024 Arsenal's David Raya receives medical attention after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Molly Darlington EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..The Gunners stand accused of employing the ‘dark arts’ during their 2-2 draw with City

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal’s apparent gamesmanship was the talk of the top flight last year.

Coaching staff and analysts across the division openly and frequently discussed the “dark arts” from the Gunners among themselves.

Arsenal were on the receiving end of heavy criticism after their trips to Newcastle and Wolves in 2023 and when Brighton gained momentum in the Seagulls’ defeat last December – to name but a few.

Mikel Arteta’s side were again accused of using delaying tactics as they aimed to hold on to their 2-1 lead in the second half at the Eithad.

Arsenal were down to ten men after Leandro Trossard was booked for kicking the ball away in the eighth minute of first-half stoppage time.

Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also received a yellow card while on the touchline at 65 minutes – half an hour before making his Prem debut.

The 17-year-old was cautioned after walking behind David Raya‘s goal shortly before the keeper went down with cramp ahead of goal kick.

The Mail report cites the PGMOL revealed the midfielder was cautioned for “showing a lack of respect for the game”.

 Referee, Michael Oliver shows a yellow card to Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Referee Michael Oliver booked Myles Lewis-Skelly before his Prem debut
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt West/REX/Shutterstock (14730480cx) Gabriel of Arsenal Manchester City v Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK, 22 Sep 2024Goalscorer Gabriel went down with cramp several times

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Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville claimed on commentary: “There is no doubt that is a tactic.”

Several other stars went down with curious injuries such as cramp – but they were forced into working hard to stop Man City scoring.

Arsenal retreated into a low block to frustrate the hosts.

But sub John Stones equalised for City with almost the last kick of the game in the 98th minute.

Tempers boiled over in the aftermath, with Erling Haaland seen arguing with Gabriel Jesus, and Bernardo Silva had plenty to infer when he said Liverpool had always faced City “head on”.

SunSport reported this week that Arsenal have wasted the most time on average so far this season.

The data looked at how long it takes to restart the game after it stops for corners, free-kicks, goal kicks, kick-offs, penalties, drop balls and throw-ins.

And the Gunners take an average of 33.5 seconds each time – the joint-longest in the league alongside Aston Villa.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Arteta said: “We have already moved on and are ready to battle again.”

a poster showing the premier league delays of game
 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on September 24, 2024 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Mikel Arteta’s side are caught in a time-wasting storm
a poster showing the premier league corners delays
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