Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji criticized Arsenal for their use of fouls to halt his team in a goalless draw on Sunday. Akanji questioned why referee Anthony Taylor did not penalize Arsenal more for their tactics. The result left Liverpool two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the league, with City in third place. Despite the defensive tactics employed by Arsenal, Akanji believed that some of their actions bordered on illegality.
Akanji expressed his frustration at the lack of intervention by the referee during the match. He highlighted specific incidents, such as a late tackle on City’s goalkeeper Kai Havertz which he believed warranted a yellow card. Akanji emphasized the importance of fair play and proper enforcement of the rules to maintain the integrity of the game.
The possibility of winning a record fourth successive title now rests out of Manchester City’s hands. However, Akanji remained optimistic about their chances, pointing out that there are still nine games left to play. With a quarter-final match in the Champions League against Real Madrid looming, City is determined to give their all in pursuit of success in various competitions.
Looking ahead to their upcoming match against Aston Villa, the last team to defeat City, Akanji acknowledged the need for a better performance. He emphasized the team’s commitment to improving and learning from past mistakes to secure a victory. Competition for playing time and positions in the squad remains fierce, with players like Jérémy Doku and Jack Grealish pushing each other to perform at their best.
Despite the challenges faced in the recent match against Arsenal, City remains focused on their goals for the season. Akanji expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back and deliver strong performances in the coming fixtures. The determination and resilience of the players will be crucial in navigating the remaining matches and achieving success in their respective competitions.