John Stones has admitted that the Man City defensive approach against Arsenal was never part of Pep Guardiola’s tactical plan. The England international revealed that the decision to sit deep and absorb pressure came instinctively from the players during the tense Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, which ended 1-1.
For one of the rare moments under Guardiola, City appeared content to surrender possession and protect an early lead. Erling Haaland’s first-half strike had given the visitors the advantage, but instead of maintaining their usual free-flowing rhythm, the defending champions dropped deep for much of the second half, inviting pressure from the Gunners.
It almost paid off. Arsenal pushed relentlessly but struggled to break through City’s disciplined defensive structure until the dying minutes, when substitute Gabriel Martinelli capitalised on a late opening. Eberechi Eze lofted a precise ball over the top, and Martinelli coolly lobbed Gianluigi Donnarumma to rescue a point for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Stones: “It wasn’t planned for us to do that”
Reflecting on the Man City defensive approach against Arsenal, Stones opened up about how the players found themselves retreating deeper as their hosts pressed for an equaliser. Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, the 30-year-old said the decision to “park the bus” was not a directive from Guardiola but rather an instinctive reaction to the game’s shifting dynamics.
“It wasn’t planned for us to do that. I think when you are in a game, you get in different scenarios and have a feeling of pressure or there is a sense within the game that you have to just do that,” Stones said.
The England defender went on to explain that City’s defensive approach surprised even themselves, given their reputation for controlling possession and dictating tempo under Pep Guardiola.
“The guys took initiative and did it, and I think that is why it’s caused such a stir and become such a big talking point.
It wasn’t planned and it is definitely not in our DNA as a team to go out and do that. We don’t want to do that.”
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Since Guardiola’s arrived England in 2016, his team have been known for their bold attacking philosophy, suffocating opponents with pressing, quick transitions, and intricate build-up play. Therefore, the Man City defensive approach against Arsenal came as a surprise to many pundits. Also, Stones admitted that the sight of City defending deep was as strange to the players as it was to the supporters watching on.
“I believe it isn’t the right way to go out and win a football match by sitting on the edge of the box. I’ve played against it enough to know how frustrating it is, and how difficult it is to soak up all that pressure for a long period of the game,” he added.
“Next time, we have to go there and play our game”
For Guardiola, who has often emphasised bravery and control even under intense pressure, the performance at the Emirates raised eyebrows. While City managed to avoid defeat, their retreating stance was criticised by pundits and fans alike for being out of character.
Stones acknowledged that although the team earned a point, the manner of the display did not reflect their true identity. He further added that they would try to play their game in their next visit to the Emirates Stadium.
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“Looking back at it now, it’s very uncharacteristic. We got a result out of it, and I think next time, we have to go there and play our game.”
Despite the criticism, Stones remained positive about the team’s resilience and adaptability, acknowledging that moments like this are part of football’s unpredictability.
As City prepare for their next fixtures, Guardiola will no doubt look to restore his team’s usual attacking fluidity, ensuring that such reactive football remains the exception rather than the rule.
