ARSENAL chief exec Tim Lewis refused to shake hands with Manchester City’s top brass after Sunday’s dramatic game at the Etihad.
The Gunners were devastated after their hopes of a famous win were dashed by a 98th minute equaliser from John Stones.
GettyTim Lewis (right) stormed out the director’s box and did not return after the late goal[/caption]
GettyJohn Stones scored the late equaliser to earn Man City a point[/caption]
And SunSport understands Lewis stormed out of his seat in the director’s box when the ball hit the net.
He did not return to greet the City hierarchy – as is the norm following a game.
So it was left to fellow members of the travelling Arsenal board to apologise and mingle with their hosts.
The incident was another sign of the growing tension between the two title rivals – both on and off the pitch.
City were furious with some of the tactics deployed by the visitors as they tried to cling onto their slender lead in the second-half.
Some home players accused the Gunners of using “dark arts” after going down to ten-men in first-half stoppage time.
Premier League clubs reportedly flagged concerns about their use of gamesmanship last season.
Statistics compiled by Statsperform show that City stars may well be right to complain.
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So far this season, Arsenal have wasted the most time on average when the game stops for corners, free-kicks, goal kicks, kick-offs, penalties, drop balls and throw-ins.
Incorporating data from all of those categories, the Gunners take an average of 33.5 seconds each time – the joint-longest in the league alongside Aston Villa.
With tensions high after the game, Erling Haaland was involved in angry confrontations with various Arsenal players in chaotic scenes after the final whistle.
The striker chucked a ball at Gabriel’s head and told Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” after the game.
Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
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