“Arsenal need to file a crime report right now” - Mark Goldbridge insists Mikel Arteta’s men were ‘robbed’ in 2-2 draw against Manchester City
YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has said that Arsenal were robbed in their thrilling 2-2 Premier League draw at champions Manchester City on Sunday (September 22). The two heavyweights exchanged blows at the Etihad, with neither landing a knockout in what promises to set the tone for another title race.
City needed a 98th-minute equaliser from defender John Stones to salvage a point and continue their long-standing league unbeaten record in 2024. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's side came close to claiming a famous win at the Etihad despite going down to ten men on the cusp of half-time.
Goldbridge was left incensed with the refereeing decisions that caused the Gunners to miss out on all three points. The popular Manchester United fan insinuated that the game was rigged to favour the champions.
"Arsenal need to file a Crime report right away. Absolutely robbed," he tweeted.
The main contentious moment of the game came in first-half added time when Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard received his marching orders. The Belgian attacker was shown a second yellow for booting the ball away after referee Michael Oliver had blown his whistle for a foul.
Manchester City played the entirety of the second half with a numerical advantage but came up against an inspired Gunners rearguard. Goalkeeper David Raya showed why he's regarded as the best in the league currently with some impressive stops before their resistance was eventually broken late on.
Arsenal duo set unwanted record in Manchester City draw
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz set an unwanted record in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City. They became the first pair of teammates to play 89+ minutes of a Premier League game without completing a pass.
Timber was a surprise selection at right-back, starting in place of Ben White, who was given a rare rest by manager Mikel Arteta. Havertz, meanwhile, started up front, as against the midfield position he occupied against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League opener in midweek.
Dutch defender Timber attempted six passes and completed none, while Havertz attempted five and completed none. Timber eventually left before the end of the game for debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 90th minute after suffering from cramp.
Havertz, meanwhile, completed the match for the Gunners, becoming the first player in seven years to do so without completing a pass.