Why Manchester City wanted Calafiori’s Arsenal equaliser ruled out

After an incredibly eventful first half from Arsenal vs Manchester City in an early battle of the title race, City players were incensed at a decision by the referee in the lead up to Arsenal's equaliser.

Ricardo Calafiorio, who got the start over Ben White with Jurrien Timber moving to right back, rifled the ball into the top corner to cancel out Erling Haaland's opener.

Immediately following the goal, Manchester City's players surrounded the referee Michael Oliver, with Ederson being booked for his troubles.

According to Gary Neville, the Manchester City players were complaining due to the fact that a free kick in the build up to the goal was taken ten yards from where the referee had given it.

Kyle Walker in particular appeared to be caught out by the free kick, with him 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.

An Arsenal fan account posted the goal saying: "CALAFIORI ON HIS FIRST ARSENAL START!!!

"It's a BEAUTY!" 😍

What a moment for Riccardo Calafiori! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/B56ZJC88mu

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 22, 2024

"Manchester City are FURIOUS, after Arsenal cleverly took their free kick quickly."

City fans meanwhile 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 came on the Italian defenders first start for Arsenal after his huge move from Bologna in the summer for £42 million.

Whilst Jurrien Timber has been impressing from left-back this season, Calafiori was given the start in one of the biggest games of the season.

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."