Manchester City’s rescuer John Stones admitted Arsenal has mastered the art of being their challengers over the last few years with their tactics.
The Gunners defended supremely to hold on to their 2-1 lead throughout the second half as they were a man down after Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second bookable offence just before the break.
However, substitute Stones stepped up in the eighth minute of injury time to bring the game level and keep the champions’ almost two-year unbeaten run at home in the Premier League intact.
Stones’ equaliser was a huge relief for City who returned to the summit of the standings, two points ahead of rivals Arsenal who dropped to fourth.
Arsenal set up what was virtually a red wall, making City look short of ideas with their known-to-be efficient passing game shut down by the North London side’s masterclass defending.
“They’ve done it for a few years, and we know to expect that,” he told Sky Sports.
“You can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it, they break up the game and obviously upset the rhythm for everyone. They use it to their advantage.
“I thought we dealt with it really well. It’s not easy. When those things are happening, you’re trying to gain momentum. You’re trying to get a foot into the game and get above them.
“Those little stoppages stop that. We controlled our emotions really well.”
