Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is adamant that Michael Oliver calling him over for the free kick cost his team as Arsenal equalized right after. The game eventually ended in a 2-2 draw.
The incident happened in the first half after Arsenal had gotten a free kick around the center circle; Michael Oliver called both captains for a conversation and a few seconds after, Arsenal played a quick free kick to Martinelli before Riccardo Calafiori scored from outside the box.
City were furious after the goal, with Walker and some players walking up to Michael Oliver to protest their case. Manchester City were frustrated throughout the game and even after the game, their players have come out to criticize Arsenal.
Bernardo Silva came out to accuse the Gunners of not wanting to ‘play football’, Manuel Akanji also criticized Mikel Arteta’s men for time wasting at the end of the game.
Kyle Walker says Michael Oliver should have let him get back in position for the free kick
Quick thinking from Arsenal got the ball to Martinelli on the left, Walker had to sprint to catch up and it left a gap which Riccardo Calafiori was in place to exploit as he curled one into the top corner.
Walker believes he should have been allowed to get all the way back into defence:
“I’ve not gone over to the referee. Me and Bukayo [Saka] 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…”
Gary Neville slams defender for switch off during goal
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville agreed with Kyle Walker, and understood the complaints from the City players.
“I would be annoyed.” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“He calls Kyle Walker over, Michael Oliver, and you see where he walks over toward him,”
“Then he sort of jogs back, turns his back. I think they are complaining that the free-kick has been taken before he can get back to his spot. They also think the free-kick was taken away form the position that it was awarded in as well.
“That’s why City are annoyed. ‘You’ve pulled me out of my position and you’re not letting me get back.”
