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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left frustrated after Leandro Trossard’s controversial red card drastically shifted the momentum of the game during yesterday’s clash at The Etihad.
The Belgian forward was sent off just before half-time for kicking the ball away, a decision that angered Arsenal players, staff, and fans alike.
While pundit Chris Sutton criticised Trossard for what he described as “stupidity,” the Arsenal camp was further incensed by the referee’s inconsistency, as Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku was not penalised for a similar offense earlier in the game.
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The sending-off forced Arsenal into a defensive position for the remainder of the match, altering Arteta’s team-talk at the break. The Gunners had to dig deep to fend off Manchester City’s relentless pressure with only 10 men on the field.
In his post-match interview, Arteta revealed how he had to quickly reframe the game for his players during the half-time break.
Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card against Manchester City (Image credit: Getty Images)“We had to adapt to the situation and explain the context of the game. We knew we couldn’t get everything right with the circumstances, especially mentally, but we needed to stay disciplined and make many defensive actions,” Mikel Arteta said. “We came here to win, but with the red card, we had to adjust. At least we secured a draw, and now we move on.”
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Despite the game-changing red card, Arteta’s tactical adjustments showed his growing stature as a top-level manager. While Trossard’s dismissal forced Arsenal into a defensive shell, Arteta’s ability to reorganise and inspire his players nearly earned the Gunners an unlikely result.
Arteta’s performance as a manager continues to draw comparisons to his mentor, Pep Guardiola. Although trophies remain the benchmark for greatness, Arteta is proving that he can go toe-to-toe with the best in the Premier League, including Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The draw may not have been the outcome Arsenal were hoping for, but it showcased Arteta’s tactical acumen and leadership under pressure.
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