Erling Haaland struck us ahead coolly after nine minutes to claim his 100th goal for the Club, before Riccardo Calafiori’s spectacular effort levelled for the visitors at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners then took the lead, with Gabriel connecting with Bukayo Saka’s accurate corner to head into the net. A pulsating half was capped off with Leandro Trossard being dismissed for a second bookable offence after kicking the ball away following his foul on Bernardo Silva.
After the interval, Pep Guardiola‘s men piled on the pressure and eventually broke Arsenal’s defensive resolve eight minutes into stoppage time, with the ball dropping to Stones to fire in.
The Englishman was proud of the team’s character to keep going until the very end to secure a crucial point.
“I think how we fought right until the end is a credit to us,” he said. “I think how we managed the game and came away with a vital point in the late stages of the game is something that we should be proud of.
“He [Guardiola] wanted me to play closer to Erling [Haaland], higher up the pitch to get more crosses in and win aerial duels. It’s so interchangeable, everyone plays in pockets and is so fluid in movements and recognising if someone isn’t in their position then occupy it. I tried to go on there and get in the right areas and it fell for me luckily. I’m so pleased to score a goal like that.
“It was a difficult afternoon for both teams. How they stopped the play and used the side of football that not many teams do. Make it difficult, slow it down, get the keeper on the floor to get information on. We had to control our emotions during those times. I felt that we did and it was a good battle today. A lot of tackles.
“It’s hard to digest it all straight after. We come away with a point. It could have been losing three points. We’ll review it.
“They [Arsenal] break up the game and it upsets the rhythm for everyone and they use it to their advantage. We dealt with it really well. It’s not easy when those things are happening. We controlled our emotions really well.
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“It’s probably what everyone expects when watching a big game like this that there is drama. When you’re involved in it you want to be level headed, not make silly fouls or take silly yellow cards. I felt we did that. They made it difficult for us for a majority of the game being so deep. We’ll have to review and take a lot of positives from it.
“For the past few years we’ve had a rivalry that is growing, one that we thrive off and one we want to come out on top. We always want to come away with three points.”
The defender, who started the game on the bench, declared that he kept a positive mindset despite not being in the starting team, and believes that his mentality and patience is testament to the environment and culture that Guardiola has built at the Club.
“I was obviously frustrated that you don’t get to start in these big games. Before the game I tried to channel it and have a positive attitude for if I’m needed to come on.
“Over the years we’ve learned as a team to stick together no matter who is playing and to always be ready. The manager emphasises that.
“I came on and tried to be in the box for crosses, one dropped to me and I put it in the back of the net thankfully.”
