Artemiya responded to accusations of playing with the brakes: what the coach said.

Arsenal 5 points behind Liverpool

According to The Sun: Mikel Arteta reacted to criticism, stating that Arsenal is one of the most attacking teams in the Premier League.

The Gunners are 5 points behind leaders Liverpool after a home draw of 1:1 with Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta addressed critics after Arsenal's draw with Man City Reuters

Despite having 67% possession and only three shots on target, Arteta faced criticism for his team supposedly playing 'with the brakes on.'

However, the Emirates coach noted:

“How can you be so dominant against such a team if you have the brakes on?”

 

“Dominance and brakes are two different words. Look at the players we have, starting from the most attacking goalkeeper in the league.”

 

“When I reviewed the game and looked at the stats, I was surprised.”

 

“Because it was impossible to predict such domination from Arsenal for all 96 minutes.”

 

“This has never happened in 17 years of Pep Guardiola's work.”

Expert Jamie Carragher noted that Arteta resorted to caution, claiming that the coach 'lost 45 minutes' in the first half with a defensive trio in midfield that included Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice.

Fans were also surprised why Eberechi Eze did not start the game instead of Merino, although he later came on and assisted Gabriel Martinelli for the equalizer in the dying minutes of the match.

Arteta added:

“It's easy to say that he could have started. Maybe not, as he has already played in two games and has never played in the position of right attacking midfielder.”

Injury problems at Arsenal

Before the 3rd round Carabao Cup match against Port Vale, Arteta confirmed that Noni Madueke will be out for a few weeks due to a knee injury.

Bukayo Saka may return after a hamstring strain over the weekend.

However, Martin Ødegaard (shoulder), Piero Hincapie (strain), and Ben White (knee) remain uncertain.

Max Douman, a 15-year-old player, could become Arsenal's youngest player to start an official match if selected to start in the game against Vale.

id='6379923306112' data-video-id='6379923306112' data-account='5067014667001' data-player='default' data-usage='cms:WordPress:6.5.6:2.8.6:javascript' data-embed='default' class='video-js' data-application-id='' controls style='width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;'> The match against Manchester City showed that Arsenal is a competitive team capable of playing well, even under criticism. The issues of injuries and player selection remain relevant, which will impact the team's future performances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.