Why Manchester City wanted Calafiori’s Arsenal equaliser ruled out

Why Manchester City’s Players Were Incensed with Arsenal’s Equaliser

The Premier League is known for its high-intensity matches, and the latest encounter between Arsenal and Manchester City was no exception. The game saw a thrilling first half, with both teams creating chances and scoring goals. However, it was Arsenal’s equaliser that sparked controversy, with Manchester City players surrounding the referee in protest.

Ricardo Calafiori, making his first start for Arsenal, rifled the ball into the top corner to cancel out Erling Haaland’s opener. The goal was a stunning strike, but it was the build-up that had Manchester City players fuming. According to Gary Neville, the Citizens were upset because the free kick that led to the goal was taken 10 yards from where the referee had given it.

Kyle Walker, in particular, appeared to be caught out by the free kick, rushing back to try and make up the ground. The free kick in question saw a beautiful ball lobbed over Walker’s head to play Gabriel Martinelli into space, before the Brazilian laid it off for Calafiori to stroke it into the top corner.

Arsenal fans were ecstatic about the goal, with one fan account posting: "CALAFIORI ON HIS FIRST ARSENAL START!!! Manchester City are FURIOUS, after Arsenal cleverly took their free kick quickly." City fans, on the other hand, were furious, with one saying: "Michael Oliver calls Kyle Walker over, taking him miles out of position… then allows Arsenal to take a quick (and wrongly positioned!) free-kick over to his side for Calafiori to score…"

The goal was a significant moment in the game, as it cancelled out Haaland’s opener and gave Arsenal a much-needed boost. Calafiori’s strike was his first goal for the club, and it came on his first start after his big-money move from Bologna.

Free kick from the wrong position or not, the goal was an absolute stunner. Carl Anka of The Athletic tweeted: "Calafori… Allow us to get familiar. Sensational strike." Kaya Kaynak of FootballLDN said: "Superb effort from Calafiori. He’s straight over to Arteta to celebrate. City not happy as it came from a quick free kick."

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