“I can’t believe Phil Foden is not in that position” - Jamie Carragher suggests Manchester City star defender was in wrong position in Arsenal draw
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher could not believe the positioning of Manchester City attacker Phil Foden in the final minutes of their 2-2 draw against Arsenal. The 46-year-old asserted the England international should have been at the edge of the box instead of centre-back Ruben Dias, who was constantly found in that position.
The Gunners were pegged back early at the Etihad on Sunday, September 22, with Erling Haaland poking Savinho's through-ball into the back of the net in the ninth minute. However, the north London giants' summer signing Riccardo Calafiori scored an out-standing curler from the edge of the box to establish parity in the 22nd minute.
Arsenal then took the lead, with Gabriel heading Bukayo Saka's corner into the net (45+1'). But they were soon reduced to 10 men when Leandro Trossard was shown a second yellow card (45+8').
Mikel Arteta's side defended staunchly throughout the second half, withstanding a barrage of City attacks. However, defender John Stones swept a rebound into the net in the last minute of the game (90+8') to deny the Gunners all three points.
For the majority of the second half, Dias found himself in advanced positions and even took five shots at goal. Meanwhile, Foden, who came onto the pitch in the 70th minute for Jeremy Doku, spent most of the time off the ball and took just two shots.
Carragher was left surprised by the Manchester City duo's positioning and roles. He told Sky Sports (via ManchesterCity.news):
"Just watching Ruben Dias in the position constantly on the age of the box. I can't believe Phil Foden is not in that position. Foden is in the box just standing waiting for something to drop."
After the draw, Manchester City returned atop the Premier League table with 13 points from five games (four wins, one loss). Arsenal jumped to fourth, two points behind the defending champions (three wins, two draws).
"It's so interchangeable" - Manchester City goalscorer John Stones shares Pep Guardiola's instructions in second half vs Arsenal
Manchester City defender John Stones has shared manager Pep Guardiola's instructions to him before he was substituted on in his side's 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
Stones, who came on for Kyle Walker in the 78th minute, was frequently seen playing closer to the front line. He was a constant presence in the box, waiting for an opportunity to pounce and bring his side back into the game.
The opportunity presented itself in the last minute of the game when a rebound fell to his feet and he kindly obliged by sweeping it into the net. After the game, Stones revealed City were a position-less entity throughout the second half, with many players playing 'in pockets'.
The 30-year-old told Sky Sports (via ManchesterCity.news):
"I came on and tried to be inside the box. One dropped to me and I put it in the back of the net. Pep (Guardiola) wanted me to play closer to Erling (Haaland), higher up in the pitch to get more crosses in. Not really (has he ever said that before). It’s so interchangeable, everyone plays in pockets."
Manchester City's next Premier League fixture will see them face Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday, September 28.