Despite dominating possession more than other teams, Manchester City have picked up more yellow cards than any of their big six rivals, having collected a total of 24.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has claimed this is down to tactical fouling in the opposition half to break down potential counter-attacks.
"It is a strategy they have," the Portuguese manager said. "Many times they need what is called a tactical foul and then it is up to the referee to analyse and make a decision."
The Citizens have won plaudits for their thrilling attacking displays this season, but Mourinho insists he is aware of their strategic plan. "They put lots of people in attacking areas," he explained. "They attack with a lot of players. When they lose the ball, they are many times unbalanced in numbers."
"They have lots of people surrounding the ball area and they have a very strong, and this is a great quality, transition in the next few seconds after they lose the ball," Mourinho said, before sending a message to referee Michael Oliver.
"My answer always has to be, 'the referee has to do his job' and I cannot speak about the referee," he concluded, stating he was not trying to put pressure on the man in the middle.