Mikel Arteta has rejected criticism that Arsenal played with the handbrake on in the draw against Manchester City on Sunday and insisted that he has been surprised by the negative reaction to their approach.
A late equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli rescued a point at the Emirates Stadium after Erling Haaland’s opener despite Arsenal dominating possession, with City recording just 33.2% – the lowest registered by a team managed by Pep Guardiola in more than 600 league matches.
