Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson says his old side were forced into gamesmanship to defend their lead during Sunday’s draw at Manchester City, saying their defensive display shows their grown into a “really resilient” team.
Mikel Arteta’s side played the second half a man light after Leandro Trossard’s controversial red card but kept City out until John Stones’ dramatic equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
“I think they got to a point where they had to [engage in gamesmanship],” he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. “You have a strategy, you want to get a result, you’re within the regulations you would say.
“Some would say you’re bending those but to hang on for the point and nearly get the win just shows you the lengths and distance they pushed themselves.
“They had to do certain things in order to make things happen and they managed the game really well.
Upson also felt the decision to dismiss Trossard was harsh, referee Michael Oliver showing the Belgium forward a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.
The incident drew comparisons with Declan Rice’s second yellow for the same offence against Brighton earlier this season.
“The Declan Rice one – he intentionally tries to delay the restart,” Upson said. “Trossard wasn’t that situation for me. It was a player that had fouled and then in the moment you’re running towards the ball, you’ve heard the whistle, you’re in that zone and he does partially pull out of kicking the ball away.
“I don’t think it was an intentional thing to do to delay the restart. I think referees getting that right on the pitch is quite a difficult interpretation.
“From Arsenal’s perspective, to have two this season that have then ended up seeing them drop two points in both games, being punished for the same thing is tough.
Listen to the full chat from 1:56:00 on BBC Sounds