Jose Mourinho has 'more than influenced' Mikel Arteta as Arsenal boss addresses claims his team used 'dark arts' in draw with Man City

Leandro Trossad was given the marching orders after he picked up his second yellow for kicking the ball away - an almost identical offence that led to Declan Rice's dismissal against Brighton earlier this month. This forced Arteta to take a leaf out of Mourinho's coaching manual and park the bus in front of David Raya between the sticks, in an attempt to defend the lead in the second half against a marauding City side.

Arteta almost pulled off the stunt on rival territory but for John Stones who found a late equaliser deep inside stoppage time to earn a valuable point for the hosts. Nonetheless, credit must be given to the Gunners who dug deep and almost weathered the storm in a fashion that Mourinho would have been proud of.

When Arteta was asked if Mourinho has influenced him, he replied: "More than influence, I think you learn a lot from other top coaches and you try to understand why they’ve been successful. But if it goes in a different direction, do you have the ability to adapt?"

After the match, Stones created quite a furore by claiming that Arsenal have "done [dark arts] for a few years" as Rodri went out injured with a suspected ACL tear.

Arteta rubbished those claims and said: "I always prefer the facts to words or supposing things. Let's see who is available tomorrow and then we can talk about 'dark arts' or these things or if it's a reality. Unfortunately, yes there will be a few players not available. I don't know. It's opinions and that's it."

When asked if the Arsenal injuries were serious, he said: "We have to wait on one of them. As I mentioned before I think other things will be factors and that's it. We will use the facts. (What are the other factors?) Well, if a player is faking something that means he will carry on and be involved in the squad and play."

Arsenal will be back in action against Bolton Wanderers in a Carabao Cup third-round tie on Wednesday evening. Following the cup fixture, they will host Leicester City at home on Saturday.