After Riccardo Calafiori scored a stunning equaliser for Arsenal, several Manchester City players approached referee Michael Oliver in opposition in protest.
The experienced referee seemed to call both sets of captains on the day in Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka over to calm their respective sides down in what was an intense affair on Sunday.
However, Arsenal capitalised on Walker being out of position and took a quick free-kick.
As the ball was headed in Gabriel Martinelli’s direction, the Manchester City right-back protested against Michael Oliver’s decision to allow play to progress after calling him over.
Martinelli found Calafiori right outside the box who scored his first goal for Arsenal in blockbuster fashion at the Etihad Stadium.
The Sky Blues players seemed in disbelief about Oliver’s decision.
Walker speaks out on controversial Arsenal goal against Man City
However, the Italian international’s goal was allowed; a decision that could divide opinion.
Michael Oliver made several massive decisions in the heavyweight battle between the two of Premier League’s finest sides over the last two seasons.
After letting Calafiori’s goal stand, he also sent Leandro Trossard in a first half of football that was typified by drama.
Both sides could be left feeling distraught after certain big decisions were given against their players.
After the contest, Manchester City speedster Walker gave his two cents on the decision after his side shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The 34-year-old said on BBC Radio 5 Live (22/09/2024, 8:06 pm): “I’m not ever going to come on national TV, national radio and start slagging people off because there’s enough of that going on around in the world.”
“What I’m saying is I’ve not gone over to the referee. Me and Bukayo [Saka] have not gone over to the referee – he’s called us over. So if I’m being called over to the referee, he then should wait and allow me to get back in position before the ball is then gone over my head.”
Walker continued: “So if I go over to the referee by my own accord and I’m out of position, it’s my fault. But I’m in position, he’s called the two captains obviously to calm the players down. I’m walking back saying, ‘Lads, concentrate, nothing stupid, make sure we get through this.’ The ball is then going over my head.”
“Me and Mike have a very good relationship and I think he has a very hard job, especially at the top level. So that’s not me being critical of him. I know he has a hard enough job, he’s got 22 angry players screaming at him continuously.”
“If he calls me over, if I go over of my own accord, fair enough. But for him to call both captains over and then not let me get back in position. If I was a goalkeeper, does he let me get back in my net? Of course. I’m a defender, I’m the first line of defence he should let me get back in and be set and then blow the whistle.”
What Kyle Walker said after Arsenal draw will divide opinion
On one hand, Walker’s rationale could be considered fair by many as Michael Oliver chose to call him to have a chat and not vice-versa.
But others will simply feel that Arsenal took advantage of the fact that the six-time Premier League winner was out of position and took a quick free-kick.
Perhaps some referees would have blown the whistle and not let the Gunners restart play before Walker got back into position.
However, Michael Oliver let the game flow.
But at the end of the day, Martinelli did not take Walker on to assist Calafiori.
The Brazilian played a square pass to the former Bologna defender, who produced a moment of magic.
Regardless of where one stands regarding the decision, it was difficult for Manchester City to keep such a spectacular strike out.
