Report: What Arsenal players have been saying privately about how referees treat Man City
Today at 07:30 AM
After Sunday's 2-2 draw, things seem to be becoming increasingly frosty between Arsenal and Manchester City, who will once again compete for the Premier League title.
Perhaps the ill-feeling between the two clubs began when Rodri criticised the mentality of the Arsenal players last season, lamenting their decision to celebrate a draw at the Etihad.
Arsenal will feel aggrieved not to have won a Premier League medal over the past two seasons – their football has certainly been good enough.
And on a personal note, perhaps Mikel Arteta is determined to win the title whilst Pep Guardiola is still in charge of City, however long that may be.
That being said, Arsenal will be determined to finally take their chance this season – even if certain decisions have already affected their results.
Arsenal players think there are double standards at play in the Premier League
After dropping two points against Brighton & Hove Albion owing to Declan Rice's controversial second yellow, Leandro Trossard then suffered the same fate against City.
Two decisions that make sense in a cold interpretation of the law, but ones that lack a bit of human empathy.
READ MORE: What rival Premier League coaches are saying about Arsenal with concerns sent to PGMOL
To that degree, the Independent have now provided an insight into the mood among the Arsenal players amid such decisions, and the complaints they have.
According to the report, the Arsenal dressing room have now been discussing social media posts about refereeing decisions and such.
Even before Trossard's dismissal, some of the Arsenal players had complained that moments like Rice's red card never happen to City.
On the other end of the stick, City have been keen to point to Arsenal's time wasting and other on-pitch issues behind closed doors.
A feud which is simmering, and spilled onto the pitch on Sunday.
Erling Haaland lost his composure throwing a ball at Gabriel's head – an incident that has since been reviewed by Dermot Gallagher.
Arsenal still not favourites for the title after Rodri injury
Of course, the most significant development in the title-race of late has been the unfortunate injury to City star Rodri.
The Spaniard is expected to miss the majority of the season, if not all of it.
That being said, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker still don't think Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League, a surprising conclusion.
Arsenal can only continue to prove their credentials on the pitch this season, starting with a must-win home tie against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.
And for the EFL Cup tie, Arteta is expected to make seven changes, including a debut for young full-back Josh Nichols.
