Arteta stands by defensive tactics in fiery Man City clash

Mikel Arteta stood by Arsenal’s defensive tactics in their explosive Premier League clash with Manchester City, saying he would have been “thick” not to learn from previous clashes.

Leandro Trossard was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away when Arsenal were 2-1 up at the end of the first half at the Etihad on Sunday.

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After the break the Gunners sat back and soaked up pressure, ceding almost all the possession to the Premier League champions until John Stones netted a stoppage-time equaliser.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s third-round League Cup tie against third-tier Bolton, the Spaniard said his team “had to play the game that we had to play”.