Arsenal’s strategic battle against Manchester City draws mixed reactions as Sam Allardyce applauds their use of ‘dark arts’ with ten men

Arsenal’s performance in the second half of their 2-2 draw against Manchester City sparked mixed reactions.

Despite playing with ten men after Leandro Trossard was sent off just before halftime, Arsenal managed to hold on to their lead until the 98th minute, when City equalized.

While some praised Mikel Arteta’s tactics in frustrating City’s attacks, others criticized the Gunners for engaging in what they perceived as time-wasting and “dark arts.”

Sam Allardyce’s Take on Arsenal’s Strategy

Former England manager Sam Allardyce, known for his pragmatic approach to football, was asked about Arsenal’s tactics during an appearance on talkSPORT.

He praised Arteta’s side for how they managed the game, especially considering they were down to ten men for nearly half the match.

Drawing on his own experience with similar tactics, Allardyce acknowledged that sometimes teams need to use every tool at their disposal to secure a result against top opposition.

When asked if he had employed similar strategies during his career, Allardyce replied candidly: “Aren’t we all when we need to be?”

He emphasized that playing against one of the best teams in Europe, especially with a numerical disadvantage, justifies such tactics. In his view, Arsenal did an excellent job of it.

Reflecting on Past Experiences

Allardyce recalled an incident from his time managing Bolton Wanderers, where his team’s time-wasting tactics against Liverpool led then-manager Rafa Benitez to file a formal complaint.

Allardyce found humor in the situation, saying, “I laughed all the way home because we got a result.”

He pointed out that all teams, when faced with the right circumstances, will employ time-wasting strategies to protect a narrow lead or run down the clock.

Arsenal’s Defensive Tactics in Focus

According to Allardyce, Arsenal’s approach to time-wasting was understandable given they were down to ten men with 45 minutes left to play.

He highlighted the common practices teams use in such situations, such as players going down to delay the game or goalkeepers taking extra time with the ball.

These tactics, he explained, typically become more obvious in the final minutes of a tight match.

However, Allardyce also mentioned that the referee, Michael Oliver, could have handled the game differently.

While Oliver issued nine yellow cards, including two to Trossard, Allardyce felt the referee could have been stricter from the beginning, not only with time-wasting but also in managing the physicality of the game.

Looking Ahead

As Arsenal prepares for their next challenges, the debate over their tactics against Manchester City remains a talking point.

Did Arteta’s team cross the line, or were they simply playing smart, given the circumstances?

Either way, it’s clear that managing the final stages of tough matches often requires more than just skill—it sometimes involves bending the rules within reason.