During John Stones absence due to injury, his calming influence across the Manchester City side had been missed. So far this season the England international has had his season ravaged by injury. But during yesterday’s hard-fought 2-nil win over Everton, it was clear to see the calming influence Stones provides was of immense benefit to Pep Guardiola’s side.
The England international started the game at right back. Stones was rarely beaten down City’s right-hand side before Kyle Walker’s introduction. When the City captain came on Stones immediately switched into his more accustomed role in the centre of City’s defence.
While Erling Haaland’s brace and Kevin De Bruyne’s impact will be the story of yesterday’s game Stones performance will go under the radar. But he is a vital player in this Manchester City side. When he’s on the pitch he brings a sense of calm to the entire side. Whether it be defensively or in possession he helps make City tick.
Speaking post-game Stones was thrilled to help City keep a clean sheet. He said: “Really pleased (with the clean sheet). Our mentality never changes. Football is so difficult and there are so many different variables. Our mindset is always the same, we go into the game wanting a clean sheet. We work hard on the training pitch to get a clean sheet with how we set up and work for each other. Sometimes, football means we can’t stop certain things but today was one of the good ones. Hopefully, we can keep that going.”
The calming influence Stones provides helped Manchester City keep a clean sheet yesterday. The hope now is he is behind his injury issues which have plagued him this season and he can be an important part of the remainder of the season.
