Mikel Arteta has declared Pep Guardiola’s use of John Stones scuppered Arsenal’s defensive masterclass away at Manchester City.
The Gunners looked to be heading for their first win at the Etihad Stadium in a decade only for substitute Stones to score a dramatic equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Arsenal led 2-1 going into the break after coming from behind, with the visitors seeing Leandro Trossard sent off just before the half time whistle.
It led to the Premier League title challengers to adopt an ultra defensive approach for the second half, with Ben White replacing Bukayo Saka to put every available defensive player behind the ball.
And it so nearly paid off, with Arteta conceding centre-back Stones’ introduction as a striker late in the game – something he hadn’t accounted for – cost his side a famous win.
The north London outfit switched off from a quick corner, which ultimately saw an unmarked Stones breaking Arsenal hearts at the death.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup third round clash against Bolton, Arteta was asked about his tactics at City.
Declaring he and his squad knew their roles and how the second half would pan out, Arteta revealed the unforeseen use of Stones added to the chaos.
Discussing his 5-4-0 set-up, he said: “It’s a necessity and what I believe [was the right thing to do].
“It wasn’t just that, there were other things that in my opinion we had to do because I expected what they were going to do.
“Until they had the decision to bring Stones as a No.9 and then the context changed a little bit.”
Arteta was also pressed for comment regarding City’s complaints regarding Arsenal’s approach following the break.
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Kyle Walker, John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Manuel Akanji have all had their say on the north London outfit’s defensive tactics and their use of the ‘dark arts’.
It led broadcaster Piers Morgan telling talkSPORT insisting the Citizens have been left ‘rattled’ by his beloved Arsenal as he hit out at Guardiola’s side.
But Arteta refused to be drawn into an argument, as he simply stated: “No comment.”
Questioned whether Arteta’s mindset is ‘win at all costs’, he then remarked: “No, for me, the thing is if we play such a game and at the game the discussion is about those topics, we are in a great direction.
“That means we are putting away things that normally are associated to them after games, so that’s it, I can’t do anything.”
Arteta then vowed to continue changing up his system, whether that is attacking or defensive.
He said: “What is not going to change is my will and what game I want and whether I want to play it.
“But if I cant, because we are not good enough or because the opponent forces you to do it, or because of the circumstances or if you are outnumbered or whatever happens, then you have to be really good at that for sure.”
