Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta receives brutal title blast as star adds to injury woes

Fall out from Arsenal’s draw away to Man City continues with Mikel Arteta set to address the media today following criticism from a number of Pep Guardiola’s players

Mikel Arteta will on Tuesday address the media for the first time since several Manchester City players hit out at Arsenal’s tactics in Sunday’s pulsating Premier League clash.

And while the Gunners boss is meant to be previewing Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup third round tie at home to Bolton Wanderers, the discussion will no doubt be focused on the fallout for the 2-2 draw.

Manuel Akanji has become the latest City star to complain about Arsenal’s supposed use of the dark arts in a game where David Raya was among the stars to shine – only to limp away with bandage on his right knee.

Here are the big stories from in and around Arsenal over the past 24 hours.

Akanji blast

Manuel Akanji branded Arsenal the masters of football’s ‘dark arts’ – but claimed it will not be enough to take the title from Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s side were slammed by City players Bernardo Silva and John Stones for their time-wasting tactics in Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw. City defender Akanji echoed his team-mates in criticising Arsenal’s crude style and claimed Arteta and his players love the “drama” of such an approach.

Asked if Arsenal were the masters of the dark arts, Akanji said: “I don’t think there are many better than them at it. But, in the end, we always won the title and I don’t think it’s going to be different this year.

Raya fear

Mikel Arteta has been dealt another injury worry after David Raya limped on to the Arsenal team bus with his right knee bandaged following another impressive performance in Sunday’s dramatic draw against Manchester City.

The Spanish goalkeeper made a couple of stunning stops as the 10-man Gunners came desperately close to holding out for a win – but he was powerless in keeping out John Stones ‘ late, late equaliser.

And after a bruising encounter that saw a number of players clash throughout, Raya appeared to be among the walking wounded at full-time – potentially placing further strain on a squad hit by an early season injury crisis.

Big Debate

There will be twists and turns aplenty in the title race before it’s all said and done, but Sunday’s showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal already feels significant.

Mikel Arteta ‘s side had the champions rocking before Leandro Trossard’s needless red card left them a man short for over half the match. And they came within seconds of pulling off a famous victory before City’s pressure finally told in the 98th minute.

We asked the Mirror Football team for their verdict in the aftermath of a match which has only ramped up the burgeoning rivalry between City and Arsenal.

J oin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.