Dark Arts or Gamesmanship? Analysing the recent controversy over Arsenal's tactics

Everyone was predicting Man City V Arsenal would be a borefest. I was thinking it, you were thinking it, your sister who has never watched football before was thinking it! I mean, who didn't want to switch sports after the previous game in March, and watch something more exciting, like Formula 1? Many people claimed that the game was a tactical masterclass, but that was clearly a sign of derangement more than anything else.

Nevertheless, Arsenal and Manchester City are the two best teams in the league, and every match between them is important, regardless of the match quality. Everybody was expecting a Man City win after the injury to Odegaard. However, Arsenal shocked everyone when they fought back after Haaland's early goal to edge in front before the break.

Analysing the recent controversy over Arsenal's tactics

Their joy didn't last long as Trossard was sent off for kicking the ball way, an eerily similar incident to the one Declan Rice had against Brighton. Arsenal fans abound were up in arms at the decision. Arsenal had to play a whole half with ten men against Manchester City at the Etihad. However, Arsenal surprised everyone by defending incredibly well, reducing Manchester City to sideways passes and hopeless potshots. Arsenal held out until the 98th minute when John Stones was able to poke the ball into the net to salvage a point for Man City.

Several journalists were quick to point out Arsenal's tactics during the second half. They focused on David Raya's timewasting on goal kicks, players with conveniently timed muscle cramps, as well as Arsenal's general lack of interest in attacking and possession during that half. This has caused a media furore in the past week, with some journalists even trying to sabotage Arteta and Guardiola's previous cordial relationship to ramp up the controversy.

But really, when you're leading at the Etihad and you've got a man sent off, what else do you expect Arteta to do? While Arsene Wenger was manager, Arsenal were slated time and time again for attacking while being the underdog and getting thrashed for it. Pundits would label them soft,weak and spineless and revel in their misery. If you had asked these pundits what they wanted from Wenger's Arsenal teams, their solution would look a lot like Arsenal's current side. Those Arsenal players would die for each other on the pitch tall, physical, intelligent, and determined.

To add to this, several sides from yesteryear, from Manchester United to Chelsea and Manchester City were praised by left and right-up pundits for their physicality and cunning. Why is it suddenly labelled 'dark arts' when Arsenal do it? It's difficult to follow this point further without devolving into the realms of conspiracy theories and delusion, however, it is very striking how different the reaction is when Arsenal do it.

At the end of the day, we need tactical variety to keep the Premier League as the best league in the world. We need defensive tactics as much as we need attacking tactics. Arsenal may not have looked pretty defending against Manchester City, but without that tactic they would have lost 5-2. Nevertheless, Arsenal are currently level on points with Man City, and I'm sure there will be an exciting title race in the coming months.

What do you think about Arsenal's dark arts? Let us know @topflight on X.

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