John Stones said he was determined to use the frustration of not starting Manchester City’s draw with Arsenal as motivation after scoring a last-gasp equaliser at the Etihad.
Stones scrambled in a 98th-minute leveller to snatch Manchester City a point against Arsenal, after the Premier League champions had been frustrated for much of the contest.
Erling Haaland had fired the home side in front after nine minutes with his 100th goal for the Citizens, though Arsenal bounced back to turn the game around before half-time. City were left furious after Riccardo Calafiori’s equaliser, with Kyle Walker caught out of position in the build up after being called to speak with referee Michael Oliver.
Things got worse for Pep Guardiola’s team when Gabriel crashed in a second for Arsenal, towering above a crowded penalty box to head home for the second game running.
The game changed when Leandro Trossard was sent off in first-half stoppage time, as the winger picked up a second booking for kicking the ball away. It was the second red card Arsenal have received for delaying the restart this month, following Declan Rice’s dismissal against Brighton.
Arsenal defended deep and came within seconds of earning a precious three points, until substitute Stones fired in late on.
Stones reveals ‘motivation’ for Man City impact
Speaking to Sky Sports, Stones said he was keen to use his frustration at not starting the game as motivation to make an impact.
“You are frustrated that you don’t get to start in these big games and before the game I tried to channel it and have a positive attitude if needed to come on.
“Over the years we have learned as a team to stick together, no matter who is playing and to always be ready – I’m sure you have heard the manager say that plenty of times.
“I came on and tried to be inside the box for more crosses. One dropped to me and thankfully I put it in the back of the net. I’m really pleased to have scored the goal like that.”
Asked what Pep Guardiola has asked from him after putting Stone high up the pitch, Stones added: “He wanted me to play closer to Erling, get higher up the pitch so when we got crosses in we could start to win more aerial duels. [Has he asked you to do that before?] Not really, but the team is so interchangeable. Everyone is in and out of the pockets, so fluid in movements and recognising if someone is out out of position, you have to occupy it.”
