John Stones, who netted the equalizer in the 98th minute, expressed his feelings to Sky Sports: “I felt frustrated not being able to start in such significant matches. Before kickoff, I focused on maintaining a positive mindset about coming on. I aimed to be in the box for the crosses, and thankfully, one found me. The manager instructed me to position myself closer to Erling [Haaland] to secure some aerial duels.
“We’ve learned over the years to remain united, regardless of who is on the pitch, and to always be prepared. The manager stresses this. My goal was to be available for all aerial threats, and I was fortunate to score.
“It was a challenging day for both sides. Their tactics to disrupt play and slow the game down make it tough. We had to manage our emotions throughout the match. It was a competitive encounter, and I believe we maintained our composure. There were some questionable decisions from all involved, but it’s tough to process immediately after the game.
“I wouldn’t say Arsenal have perfected the dark arts. They’ve utilized these tactics for years, and we know what to expect. It can be seen as either unsporting or clever—they interrupt the flow of the game and throw off our rhythm when we’re trying to build momentum. I think we handled it well.
“For several years now, our rivalry with Arsenal has intensified, and we always strive to come out on top, so sharing the points feels tough.”