Arsenal’s recent clash with Manchester City saw an uncharacteristic approach from the legendary Pep Guardiola. The two sides renewed their growing rivalry towards the end of September at the Emirates, and the game ended in dramatic fashion as the Gunners snatched a late draw courtesy of a superb Gabriel Martinelli strike.Before that goal, Erling Haaland had given the Citizens an early lead and what followed raised eyebrows across the football world. Guardiola’s side appeared to adopt an unusually defensive stance after taking the lead, conceding more and more possession as the game wore on. The Citizens spent much of the second half defending deep in their own half, and after the final whistle, Guardiola had recorded his lowest average possession figure in a single match in his entire managerial career.Stones Explains City’s Defensive StanceSpeaking with TalkSport, City defender John Stones admitted that it had not been part of the plan for his team to ‘park the bus.’He said: “It was not 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.“The guys took initiative and did it, and I think that is why it has 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.“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.“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.”Gyoekeres (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Arsenal’s Relentless ApproachAs much as City’s tactics surprised many, Arsenal deserve huge credit for the way they imposed themselves on their opponents. The Gunners forced City back as they searched for an equaliser, and the introduction of Eberechi Eze into midfield strengthened Arsenal’s control in the second half.Looking back on Martinelli’s dramatic late goal, its significance continues to grow. It not only salvaged a valuable point but also became a catalyst for a strong run of results that has helped Arsenal climb to the summit of the Premier League – that goal also earned Martinelli the BBC Goal off the Month award.COYG!Benjamin Kenneth__________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…More Stories / Latest News‘It’s very uncharacteristic’ John Stones on why Man City ‘parked the bus’ against Arsenal8 October 2025, 12:00Jurrien Timber’s Brilliant Start for Gunners Backed Up by Impressive Stats8 October 2025, 11:00Mikel Arteta is tipped to manage European giant in the future8 October 2025, 10:00The post ‘It’s very uncharacteristic’ John Stones on why Man City ‘parked the bus’ against Arsenal appeared first on Just Arsenal News.