Pep Guardiola credits John Stones excellence to two personal factors

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has credited John Stones’ impeccable form for his side in recent games down to two personal factors.

Alongside several defensive partners on the night, Stones put in a commanding performance against Chelsea, playing a crucial role in Manchester City securing a 0-1 victory and moving five points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

In the first-half, Stones stood alongside Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake in what was a back-three in possession, before Manuel Akanji came on at half-time to join the 28 year-old in a complex system for Pep Guardiola’s side.

On the ball, Stones was perfect, and when called upon for defensive duties – including a crucial last minute block on a Christian Pulisic shot in the first-half – he was just as assured and well-timed.

Speaking during his post-match press conference at Stamford Bridge, Pep Guardiola was keen to praise the performance of the England international on a night where Manchester City secured one of their most crucial three points of the season so far.

Guardiola said, “He played an extraordinary World Cup. He held the build-up perfectly (against Chelsea).

“He is playing the best level since we arrived together (at Manchester City). When he is stable in his head and his mood his good he is excellent.”

With Aymeric Laporte only just returning to fitness following a reported back problem, and Ruben Dias continuing with his rehabilitation from a muscular injury sustained during the closing stages of the World Cup, John Stones has a fantastic opportunity to further stamp his authority on the central defensive role at City.

Pep Guardiola is known to rotate one of the two options at central defence, and the continued good form and rise of John Stones could mean that the former Everton man’s place in the starting eleven remains a certainty for more games to come.