The surprise Man City tactic that has already been shelved

Manchester City produced a dogged defensive display to earn a point at Arsenal but it isn't an approach they are likely to repeat any time soon.

Manchester City's backs-to-the-wall defensive display at Arsenal was a one-off and isn't a tactic that will be repeated this season, according to centre-back John Stones.

City had just 33% of the ball at the Emirates, their lowest share of possession in the Pep Guardiola era, and they had to weather plenty of pressure to emerge with a point, only coneding an equaliser in the 93rd minute.

Pep Guardiola also made some defensive changes as City's attacking threat diminished, bringing on Nathan Ake for Phil Foden with a quarter of the game to play and then replacing Erling Haaland with Nico Gonzalez after 76 minutes.

City's defensive set-up after scoring early through Haaland attracted plenty of scrutiny, especially as it was so out of character for a Guardiola team, but Stones has revealed it wasn't something that was planned and was more due to the state of the game.

The Blues visited north London, having beaten Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, and that also contributed to the performance.

"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 told talkSPORT while on England duty.

"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 was a mixture of things. Definitely not a tactical set-up from us. It was more just feeling the game, and it's a difficult one for me to say.

"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."

Stones also sympathised with England boss Thomas Tuchel over some of the difficult selection calls he has made, with no place for his in-form City teammate Phil Foden, while Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham have also been left out.

"It's difficult to say. I've not watched much of the games, obviously played with Phil and [know] how well he's playing," said Stones.

"Jack scored at the weekend. Jude has come back, and it's clear to see how much quality all three of them have got.

"I've always sympathised with managers that have to choose a squad or staff or a starting XI. They're decisions within football because it is very under the microscope, and they've got a decision to make."

---

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.