Manchester City’s stunning 5-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday has left the reigning champions reeling, with defender John Stones condemning the team’s second-half capitulation as “unacceptable.”
City’s collapse began just minutes after Erling Haaland’s equalizing goal in the 55th minute, as Thomas Partey’s deflected drive restored Arsenal’s lead. The visitors then imploded, conceding three further goals to Arsenal’s talented youngsters, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, as well as a Kai Havertz effort.
Stones was scathing in his assessment of City’s performance, saying, “How we played in the last 30 minutes was not acceptable. Personally and collectively, it’s not us… I am angry, upset personally and collectively about how the game finished.”
Manager Pep Guardiola echoed Stones’ sentiments, acknowledging that City’s late collapse was a major disappointment. However, Guardiola also highlighted the team’s positive performance in the first 65 minutes, saying, “We showed some of the quality that has been missing for much of the season.”
The defeat leaves City in fourth place, a whopping 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. As City looks to regroup and refocus, Stones’ words serve as a stark reminder of the team’s expectations and the standards they must uphold.
