John Stones reveals what Pep Guardiola told him before Manchester City equaliser against Arsenal

John Stones has revealed what Pep Guardiola told him before he scored a last-minute equaliser for Manchester City in their Premier League clash against Arsenal.

After a tremendous start to the game, with Erling Haaland scoring after nine minutes, Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a setback when Rodri was forced off with injury.

An immediate sucker-punch came straight afterwards when Riccardo Calafiori scored an equaliser following some questionable refereeing from Michael Oliver, who called over City captain Kyle Walker and then allowing a quick free-kick to be taken before the defender was back in shape.

Shortly before half-time, Arsenal grabbed a second through Gabriel but then Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second bookable offence before the whistle was blown.

Mikel Arteta’s side moved to a back five and attempted to grind out a result but were left in pain when John Stones scored a last-minute equaliser, with the spoils being shared at the Etihad Stadium.

The City defender has often been used in midfield for Guardiola’s side but during his 20 minute outing on Saturday, he was tasked with helping Haaland in the Arsenal box.

Instead of setting up the Norwegian striker, Stones was the player in the right place at the right time to score after a goalmouth scramble.

“He [Guardiola] wanted me to play closer to Erling, higher up the pitch, to get more crosses in and hopefully try and win a few aerial duels,” Stones told Sky Sports after the game.

“He’s so interchangeable, everyone plays in pockets, so fluid in movements and recognising if someone isn’t their position to occupy it.

“But I tried to go on and get in the right areas, and it fell for me luckily, and I’m really pleased to score a goal like that.”

While the draw means that City’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign is over, the Blues remain unbeaten this term and stay top of the table – two points in front of Arsenal.

Next up for Guardiola’s men comes a third-round Carabao Cup clash against Championship side Watford on Tuesday evening.