Manchester City star digs at Mikel Arteta's tactics as the game ended in draw

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City appeared to criticize Arsenal's defensive game plan that hold Manchester City on Sunday at Etihad Stadium. Arsenal's defensive play blocked Manchester City's attack as the game ended in a draw and the football pandits blasting the negative attitude.

"Arsenal are just sat back there," Gary Neville said on commentary after the opening 30 minutes in which Mikel Arteta's side rarely left their half. "Arsenal are not getting out; they're not pressing." (Source: football.london).

Arsenal was unable to break their seven-game away-from-home losing streak against Manchester City. Though the draw kept them in second position ahead of defending champion Manchester City. With nine games remaining in the league and shows a turnaround from last year's defeats.

Now Arsenal have gone undefeated in their previous three games against Manchester City, including the Community Shield. Without switching formations, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta used a realistic approach to pushing, denying any space around their box.

There just didn't seem to be any spaces - Gary Neville

Despite not being the most visually appealing match, it made an important point that finally impressed Neville. "I've never seen a team make it so difficult for Manchester City in the final third - there just didn't seem to be any spaces," he stated after the game.

"They ganged up on Haaland - it was a typical 'one goes tight, the other drop off' old-school strategy. However, they had a large number of players surrounding them, which allowed them to do so. They had the fullbacks small and tight, the midfield compacts with them, and the two forwards tucked in as needed.

Bernardo Silva was never very fond of the block in front of his side; however, he did encourage Arsenal for their strategy's success. "It was tough," he said. "We played against a top team. Very well-organized, competitive, and with a high rhythm. To be honest, things might have gone the other way. That was how I felt on the pitch.