Wilfried Bony has accused Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini of favouring a half-fit Sergio Aguero over him.
The Argentina striker started Monday’s defeat at Arsenal even though he has been out injured since November 28.
Bony, who had scored three goals in City’s previous four games, said: “I’m disappointed I didn’t start. He is coming back from injury. He hasn’t played for a couple of weeks.”
‘Kun’ Aguero, who failed to score against Arsenal, was taken off after 63 minutes.
Bony, signed from Swansea 11 months ago, replaced him but failed to add to his nine goals in 31 appearances for City.
It is understood he is not pushing for a move away from the Etihad, but that he will seek talks with Pellegrini to voice his frustration.
The Ivory Coast marksman gave a conflicting view of Monday’s 2-1 defeat to that offered by Pellegrini.
City’s Chilean boss claimed they were unlucky not to win having had more possession and opportunities.
But Bony said: “We struggled a little bit. We were lucky because it should have been worse.
“Joe Hart saved a lot of chances from them so you have to say that they deserved to win.”
Bony insisted, however, that Arsenal are not a superior team to City. He also believes his third-placed side will prove their quality over the coming months.
“Arsenal played well,” he said. “They scored goals, they won and we will try to do the same next week.
“I would say though that the league is long, so we will see.
“When the team win, everything is going well. If you lose it’s like this. We win together, we lose together. So we will work, see what is going on and try to find a better way for the next game.”
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