Inside Man City dressing room as John Stones sees amazing goal-line clearance for first time after Liverpool win
Defender pulled out a move from Street Fighter after he realised just 11mm of the ball had not crossed the line
JOHN STONES shouted “Hadouken” as he watched a replay of his incredible goal-line clearance after the win over Liverpool.
The defender’s clearance proved pivotal as Manchester City closed the gap at the top of the table to just four points.
And the 24-year-old could not wait to watch his moment of magic as he made his way to the dressing room.
He yelled “Hadouken” and pulled out a move from the Street Fighter game when he realised that just 11mm of the ball had not crossed the line.
He was called into action after Sadio Mane’s strike hit the post and his clearance smashed into Ederson and back towards the goal.
The 37-cap England international reacted quickly and managed to keep the score level – before City went on to win 2-1.
Fans have even called it the 2019 version of Steven Gerrard’s slip that ruined Liverpool’s title hopes in the 2003/04 season.
The Tunnel Cam footage at the Etihad stadium has given fans an insight into the aftermath of the match.
Danillo pumped his fists as he left the pitch, while goalscorer Sergio Aguero appeared to be rushed off for a post-match doping test.
Riyad Mahrez was spotted tucking into a plate of food as he watched the highlights alongside Raheem Sterling and Co.
Before he had watched the clip, he said: “I tried to just take everything, to be honest. I’m glad I reacted quite quickly, and I’ve heard it’s quite tight.
“I’m happy it didn’t go over the line, to be honest. I tried to take Ederson and the ball, but it deflected off him.
“I just had to react quickly and I think those sorts of things can change games.
“You realise what kind of situation you are in. In the first half we set a great tempo. We moved the ball quickly and created some great chances.”
