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Mikel Arteta's side are fourth in the Premier League table Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says his side's tactics in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City were "normal". The Gunners conceded a 98th-minute equaliser at Etihad Stadium, having been reduced to 10 men following Leandro Trossard's sending off in first-half stoppage time. Arsenal were accused of time-wasting against City, with John Stones and Kyle Walker saying the Gunners used the "dark arts" while protecting their 2-1 lead. But Arteta says his team had little option but to defend deeply, given City's numerical advantage, referencing a moment in the first half when Guardiola's side were down to 10 following Rodri's injury. "Well, we had to play the game that we had to play. The first 15 minutes, we couldn't. They [City] played 30 seconds with 10 men. Look what they did. It's normal what they did, " said Arteta. "Unfortunately we've been in the same situation. We were in that same situation with Granit [Xhaka] when we lost 5-0 [in 2021]. So we'd better learn. If not I would be very thick. " Exploring the 'dark arts' in Man City v Arsenal Man City players accuse Arsenal of 'dark arts' as Arteta hails 'miracle' 'Streetwise Arsenal show they are real deal amid Man City pain' David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli all went down with cramp during the second half at the Etihad, leading to accusations of time-wasting. But Arteta says the Gunners will be without injured players for Wednesday's EFL Cup tie against Bolton. "I always prefer the facts to words, or supposing things, " said Arteta. "Let's see who's available tomorrow and then we can talk about dark arts or these things. "Unfortunately, yes, there will be a few players not available. " Asked if any of the injuries sustained against City were serious, Arteta said: "We have to wait. One of them. " Trossard's second booking at the Etihad came after he kicked the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva. It was the second time this season that an Arsenal player has been sent off for such an offence, following Declan Rice's dismissal against Brighton in August. Asked if he needs to warn his players about the rule, Arteta said: "For passing the ball [away] you mean? I think so. .. just leave the ball, don't touch the ball. We play without the ball. " Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views Get Arsenal news sent straight to your phone Smith & Green slowly rebuild for Australia v England in third ODI Football latest: Arteta hints at serious injury as Man City await Rodri update 'I prefer facts to words' - Arteta on 'dark arts' claims The fatal shooting of Tupac Shakur The story of how the American hip hop star Tupac Shakur was killed in a drive-by shooting, told by his bodyguard Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen leads the house of the year search Join Laurence and the judges as they search to find Northern Ireland's best home Sir John Major sits down with Amol Rajan Sir John Major shares his thoughts on the state of Britain and the future of Western democracy A brand new adrenaline-fuelled thriller Can two strangers collaborate to stop sinister hackers before their train reaches a grim final destination? F1 Q&A: Are there problems between drivers and the FIA? 'Celtic hold a royal flush, Rangers a pair of twos' How injured Rodri's absence could hurt Man City's trophy quest What does 'momentous' Friedkin takeover mean for Everton? Exploring the 'dark arts' in Man City v Arsenal Warren wants IBF champion Dubois to fight Usyk next 'Mentally, physically & tactically, Arsenal show why they are a force' Red card chaos and Haaland 'housery' - MOTD analysis. Video Red card chaos and Haaland 'housery' - MOTD analysis 'It took inspired brilliance to beat Mc Ilroy at Wentworth' Watch highlights of stunning Dubois victory against Joshua. Video Watch highlights of stunning Dubois victory against Joshua 'Young pretender Dubois legitimises world title reign' Joshua future in doubt after mauling by dominant Dubois 'Warrior' Joshua vows to keep on fighting How Slot's 'patient approach' helped Liverpool dominate Bournemouth. Video How Slot's 'patient approach' helped Liverpool dominate Bournemouth 'From No. 1 pick to bench in 18 games - can Young come back from this? ' Inside the richest women's football team in the world. Video Inside the richest women's football team in the world County Championship: Pick your team of 2024 season Will players really strike over too much football? © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.