Martin Keown Column: It’s Nonsense to Say Arsenal Was Time-Wasting! That’s Called Game Management

In the Premier League title clash, Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics were criticized by Manchester City players, who believed that Arsenal players were employing “dark arts.” Former Arsenal star Martin Keown has refuted these claims.

Keown wrote in his Daily Mail column: “I’m tired of the term ‘dark arts.’ When you see a team giving it their all for victory, like Arsenal did in the first half at the Etihad Stadium, this phrase is casually slapped with a negative label rather than positive recognition. I prefer to call it game control. In Sunday’s match, Arsenal demonstrated exceptional game control, and Arteta’s team should not be criticized for how they played at the home of Manchester City. Instead, they deserve praise for skillfully stifling Guardiola’s formidable team until John Stones scored an equalizer for City in the last minute, preventing their defeat.”

“At the time, Arsenal was leading 2-1, with Leandro Trossard receiving a red card, leaving them a man down against one of the world’s top teams—the reigning champions Manchester City—striving for a fifth consecutive title. Under such circumstances, what else could Arsenal do but fight tooth and nail to protect their lead? It’s like asking Frank Bruno to face Mike Tyson without any defense. You’re just asking for trouble. Hearing some so-called experts comment as if Arsenal’s tactics were ugly and unfair left me very dissatisfied.”

“While Bernardo Silva is a player I admire, his statement that only one team was playing football clearly stems from seeing Arsenal erecting a wall in front of their goal until Stones became their savior. However, I don’t think City would refuse to use similar strategies if they found themselves in a similar predicament. Arsenal didn’t need another goal since they were already ahead; they needed to maintain their lead at all costs. Arteta’s team attempted to control the game through a 5-4-0 defensive formation because they had no other choice. This shouldn’t be condemned; it was necessary and executed very successfully until Stones equalized.”

“Some accused Arsenal of coming to City with a plan to disrupt the game, but in reality, it was Rodri who obstructed Havertz within seconds of the start. The second half of the match at the Etihad lasted 35 minutes and 23 seconds, the longest playing time in the Premier League this season. Even if Arsenal caused some stoppages, with David Raya taking a moment before restarting play, data shows that City still had ample opportunities to try breaking through their defense. Referee Michael Oliver added sufficient time at the end of the match, even exceeding the actual lost time.”

“Some accused Arsenal players of diving, but those who claimed to cramp up—such as Gabriel Martinelli, Timber, and Karafiol—were substituted. Facing City’s relentless attack, this pressure was both mental and physical. The refereeing team could have managed the game better, but I won’t blame Michael Oliver for Kyle Walker’s mistake. This is more Walker’s personal responsibility. He should have quickly returned to his position instead of wasting time. This is a basic defensive principle. When he had the chance to sprint back, he dawdled, leading to Martinelli creating a scoring opportunity for Karafiol.”

“I believe Arsenal’s performance in this match deserves praise. They demonstrated superb game control skills, successfully resisting the strong offensive pressure from their opponents. Although they ultimately failed to win the game, their efforts and strategies are undoubtedly commendable.”