Arsenal Reportedly Breach Premier League Captaincy Rule in Manchester City Draw

Arsenal were reportedly in breach of a Premier League rule on Sunday during their 2-2 draw with Manchester City, as no captain was nominated for the second half of the game. 

As noted by Sky Sports' Bryan Swanson, after Laurent Koscielny was substituted at half-time, no player emerged for the second period with the armband. "Under Premier League Rule M.11, a captain must wear an armband at all times," Swanson added.

In the piece it's stated an Arsenal spokesperson advised "it is unclear whether there was a captain in the second half, but Theo Walcott was the senior player on the pitch."

According to Swanson, if Arsenal are found to have broken a Premier League regulation, punishment is unlikely to be serious, with a reminder likely to be issued and no more action taken.

Wenger admitted after the game that he was unaware as to who was the team’s designated leader following Koscielny’s withdrawal.

"I don't remember," he said when asked about the captaincy following the match, per PA Sport via Sky Sports. "It is a good question. Nobody asked me who is captain. I will have 24 hours to think about that."

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Despite the absence of their star centre-back in the second period, Arsenal were able to battle for a hard-earned point against Pep Guardiola’s side.

City took the lead twice in the game through Leroy Sane and then Sergio Aguero. But a poacher’s finish from Walcott and a second-half header from Shkodran Mustafi were enough to ensure the hosts grabbed a point.

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