Opta Confirm the Ball Was in Play For 35 Minutes in Second-Half of Manchester City vs Arsenal – The Most This Season

Despite 10 minutes being added on by referee Michael Oliver, the actual ball in play time in the second-half of Manchester City and Arsenal was the most of any game this season.

John Stones’ last-gasp goal was enough to rescue a point for Manchester City, as he latched onto a loose ball in a goalmouth scramble.

Seconds before what would have been Arsenal’s first win at the Etihad since January 2015, Stones’ goal deep into stoppage time cut those dreams short as City remained top of the Premier League for another week.

Opta Say Ball in Play Time During Manchester City vs Arsenal Was the Most in Any Half This Season

Social media has seen a barrage of to-and-fro between Manchester City and Arsenal fans. The former – including match winner John Stones – have accused the Gunners of utilising ‘dark arts’ to hang on for a result after going down to 10 men late in the first-half.

For all the accusations of time wasting, breaking up play and deceiving the referee with lengthy injury stoppages, Opta have since come out to reveal the ball was in play for 35 minutes in the second-half on Sunday.

Arsenal are a truly dirty, dirty team.

They devolved from a team that played free flowing, fluid football to a team that employs disgusting, dirty tactics.

Constant time wasting, fouling goalkeepers on set pieces, delaying restarts, intentionally looking to injure key players…

— B. (@InvertTheWing) September 22, 2024

According to their statisticians, that is the highest ball in play time of any half so far this season.

Indeed Mikel Arteta‘s men were forced to compete with a one-man deficit for an entire half, which has been commended by the likes of Sky Sports’ Micah Richards.

For a side who may well have capitulated under the pressure of a team as ruthless as City just a few seasons ago, Arsenal’s ability to grind out a result – even if it means playing ugly at times – is the mark of title challengers.

Remember when Xhaka got sent off there in the first half 3 years ago and City strolled to a 5-0 win? Those days are long gone and yesterday showed that.

Arsenal are a proper team now. We knew that already, but yesterday (and the whole of the past week) proved that beyond doubt.

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) September 23, 2024