Why Manchester City Players Wanted Riccardo Calafiori’s Goal Ruled Out
- Manchester City and Arsenal played out to a two-all classic game for the neutrals in a highly-charged game at the Etihad
- Arsenal were reduced to 10 men on the cusp of halftime after a needless second yellow card for Leandro Trossard
- Manchester City were equally left fuming after Riccardo Calafiori's goal was allowed to stand despite Kyle Walker's protests
Arsenal were less than 60 seconds away from securing a first Premier League win at the Etihad when John Stones popped in with a brutal equaliser right at the end.
The Gunners were forced to share the spoils with Manchester City despite their brave defending in the second half after they were reduced to 10 men.
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Manchester City vs Arsenal
That alone doesn't tell the whole story of the game. Mikel Arteta sent out his side after the break with one idea in mind - to defend to the last man. Bukayo Saka was sacrificed, and the 4-3-3 was ditched for a 6-3-0.
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Michael Oliver was at the centre of almost everything major that happened, and his decisions left a lot to be desired by both fanbases. Arsenal were dismayed by the decision to send off Leandro Trossard and to add seven minutes at the end, among many others.
Why Manchester City players wanted Calafiori's goal disallowed
The hosts meanwhile thought that both Arsenal goals should have been chalked off. Riccardo Calafiori scored on his first Arsenal start, and boy, what a goal it was. The goal came from an Arsenal free-kick near the halfway line.
Oliver had called both captains, Saka and Kyle Walker, for a discussion. Afterwards, the free-kick was played hurriedly to Gabriel Martinelli before Walker had retreated to his position.
The furious Manchester City captain and his animated coach, Pep Guardiola, argued that the referee should have given Walker time to return to his position.
Guardiola's warning to referees
Martinelli cut in before Walker could compose himself and set up Calafiori for that strike that Ederson could do nothing about
"There are always things we can do better. But next time, I will say to my players when the referee says come and talk to me we will not go. I will say you come to me," said Guardiola, as quoted by MEN.
Sadly for Manchester City and happily for Arsenal, especially Calafiori, this wasn't an issue under VAR's purview and the goal was given.
Why Trossard was sent off
Briefly News has also reported why Leandro Trossard was sent off.
The Belgian picked up an unnecessary second yellow card just before halftime in their game against Manchester City.
He had earlier been booked for preventing City from launching a counterattack.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
