Manchester City's Kyle Walker and John Stones accused Arsenal of employing the 'dark arts' as the Gunners tried to see out Sunday's top-of-the-table Premier League clash with 10 men.
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty called Arsenal "streetwise", while boss Mikel Arteta described their rearguard display in the 2-2 draw - having had Leandro Trossard sent off just before half-time with the Londoners leading 2-1 at Etihad Stadium - "a miracle".
City manager Pep Guardiola labelled his side, who snatched a point with a 98th-minute equaliser from substitute Stones, "an honest team".
He added: "I know what the opponents are going to do.