- Guardiola’s instructions for Stones proved to be decisive against Arsenal
- Stones was the unlikely hero as he scored a 98th-minute equaliser
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John Stones revealed the final instructions given to him by Pep Guardiola before coming on as he proved to be the unlikely hero for Manchester City in their riveting 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The 10-man Gunners looked to be on course for victory but Stones happened to be in the right place at the right time as he poked home the equaliser in the 98th minute.
Stones entered the contest in the 78th minute in place of Kyle Walker, who was at right back.
However, the centre-back was lumped up top alongside superstar striker Erling Haaland as City threw the kitchen sink at Arsenal to find an equaliser, which they did.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Stones lifted the lid on what Guardiola told him to do once he was on the park.
Stones opened up on the final instructions given to him by Guardiola before coming on
The defender proved to be an unlikely hero as he scored a late equaliser to secure a draw
Stones’ goal ensured Manchester City’s unbeaten record this season remained intact
‘He [Guardiola] wanted me to play closer to Erling, higher up the pitch, to get more crosses in and hopefully try and win a few aerial duels,’ Stones said.
‘He’s so interchangeable, everyone plays in pockets, so fluid in movements and recognising if someone isn’t in their position to occupy it.
‘But I tried to go on and get in the right areas, and it fell for me luckily, and I’m really pleased to score a goal like that.’
Since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Everton in August 2016, Stones has amassed over 250 appearances for City in all competitions.
He also progressed from a ball-playing centre-back into a defensive midfielder last season.
But given he saved City from defeat against Arsenal, perhaps we may see more cameos of Stones up top alongside Haaland.
Although the 2-2 draw spoiled City’s perfect start to the season – having won four from four prior to the Arsenal game – they remain one of four unbeaten teams in the Premier League.
Arsenal, Brighton and Nottingham Forest are the remaining three.
Stones slotted home after Arsenal failed to clear their lines from a late City set-piece
City’s stars celebrated wildly after Stones’ goal sent the Etihad Stadium into delirium
Arsenal were left crestfallen having almost secured a valuable win despite being down a man
However, the draw kept City top of the league on 13 points while Arsenal end the weekend in fourth on 11 points.
City now have just one day of rest before they are back in action once more as they face Championship side Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Arsenal are lucky enough to get an extra day off, with Mikel Arteta’s side to welcome League One outfit Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
