Man City vs. Arsenal: Kyle Walker speaks out on free kick controversy

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has admitted to being left frustrated with the manner of Arsenal's first goal in Sunday's Premier League fixture.

The defending champions had been one goal to the good courtesy of Erling Haaland's early strike and been largely dominant versus the Gunners.

However, in the 22nd minute, Arsenal found an equaliser through Riccardo Calafiori, who side-footed a delightful shot into the far corner from distance.

Walker had been out of position courtesy of being called over - along with Arsenal skipper Bukayo Saka - by referee Michael Oliver in an effort to calm down proceedings after a feisty start.

Although the England international had been allowed to return to his right-back spot, Oliver gave Walker minimal time to be alert to the free kick that was taken by Arsenal, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to get down the left.

© Imago

What has Walker had to say?

Walker, several teammates and manager Pep Guardiola were furious at the decision to resume play in the manner that it did, Oliver left unmoved with the goal being allowed to stand.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, the veteran defender gave his take on the incident, reiterating that he felt that an unfair scenario played out.

He said: "I've not gone over to the referee. Me and Bukayo have not gone over - he's called us over. If I'm being called over, he should wait and allow me to get back in position before the ball is then over my head.

"If I go over 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 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...

"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."

© Imago

Not the only debatable decision...

Later in the first half, Arsenal playmaker Leandro Trossard was handed a second yellow card for halting the resumption of play by kicking the ball away.

Although the referee applied the law, there were 0.84 seconds being the whistle being blown and the ball being booted clear. City would have also not taken a quick free kick in the circumstances, meaning that no time would have been lost.

There is also a debate to be had over how Oliver handled some of Arsenal's perceived time-wasting, although each of Martinelli and Jurrien Timber had to be withdrawn through cramp in the closing stages.

City salvaged a 2-2 draw in the 98th minute courtesy of a goal from John Stones.

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