Roberto Mancini's high-fliers looked set for all three points thanks to a marvellous goal from Micah Richards in the 81st minute.
But Stoke refused to lie down and Etherington took advantage of a clever back-heel from Tuncay to ensure his side got a share of the spoils.
The home side should have taken the lead in the 16th minute when Ricardo Fuller and Kenwyne Jones played a neat one-two. Fuller was released in the area but failed to test Joe Hart, steering his effort wide of the post.
City, however, made the breakthrough in the 81st minute with a marvellous piece of skill from the recalled Richards. He latched on to a ball from Milner, sold a dummy to Collins before rifling a shot into the corner from the edge of the area.
Stoke, though, secured a point in stoppage time through Etherington, who got on the end of a clever back heel from substitute Tuncay. Although Hart got a hand to the ball he could not prevent it going into the net.
Source: PA
Source: PA