Arsenal is caught up in a time-wasting problem when it was revealed that teenage player Myles Lewis-Skelly received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after he seemed to pass a message to David Raya during Sunday’s thrilling draw against Manchester City.
Referee Michael Oliver issued a booking to Lewis-Skelly after the replacement trotted behind Raya’s goal line during warm-up, with the Gunners leading 2-1 at the time.
Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a yellow card against Manchester City
New footage obtained by Mail Sport appears to show the teenager speaking to David Raya
Lewis-Skelly made his way around the pitch and was observed communicating with Raya
The 17-year-old even trotted behind the goal and was spotted by referee Michael Oliver.
At that point, Raya appeared hurt and went to the ground, stopping play at the Etihad.
The Arsenal coaches had been urging Raya to remain cool prior to Lewis-Skelly’s intervention as he prepared to take a goal kick that was eventually postponed.
When Raya went down for treatment, Gary Neville declared, “There is no doubt that is a tactic,” while providing commentary on Sky Sports.
Lewis-Skelly’s caution was issued for “showing a lack of respect for the game,” according to the PGMOL, in accordance with the laws’ provision about unsportsmanlike conduct. We have reached out to Arsenal for a response.
The ‘black arts’ were freely discussed among coaching staff and observers across the division last year, as Arsenal’s apparent gamesmanship was the talk of the top flight. Clubs have contacted the PGMOL with concerns on the matter.
In his capacity as FIFA’s head of global football development, club great Arsene Wenger has pushed to prevent time wastage, which is at odds with the alleged delaying tactics.
Speaking in the midst of criticism last year over extended stoppage times, Wenger asserted that the new guidelines were meant to mould player conduct.
“We want the team that wants to play to be rewarded for the equity of the game,” he stated to the Independent. “To encourage the teams to play and not waste time, and for the respect of the fans who sit in the stands.”
Mikel Arteta used the stoppage in play to speak to a large group of his players.
City grew increasingly frustrated with the visitors’ apparent gamesmanship in the second half.
Even as they advanced to a 2-2 draw with 10 men, Arsenal was charged with employing “dark arts.”
Nine yellow cards were shown during the match at Etihad Stadium, two of which were sent to Leandro Trossard. Erling Haaland became enraged with Arteta and Gabriel Jesus just after full time.
Haaland had a profanity-filled conversation with Jesus after telling Arteta to “be humble.”
Shortly before, after Stones’ late goal, an enraged Haaland had hurled a ball at Gabriel’s head. After reviewing the situation, VAR decided that no action was required, so the Norwegian would not be penalised retroactively.