“We can be our own worst enemies!” – John Stones discusses Premier League title chase

John Stones has admitted that he believes Manchester City can be their own worst enemies at times as the Premier League title race rumbles on for another gameweek.

City secured back-to-back wins in the Premier League following defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last week, with an Erling Haaland hat-trick guiding the Blues to a 3-0 win over Wolves.

That victory moves them within just five points of Mikel Arteta’s men at the top of the table, who do have a game in hand on the reigning Champions after their win over Erik ten Hag’s United on Sunday evening.

Speaking after the win over Wolves at the weekend, John Stones has stressed the importance of focussing on themselves, and just how much this group of Manchester City players want to retain their Premier League crown once again this season.

“I think it’s just about us, I’ve said it plenty of times. We can be our own worst enemies at times. We have to be focused. We can see where we are and keep taking it game by game,” said Stones.

“We are the champions for a reason and we want to be champions again so we have to put ourselves in the best place possible. Keep winning games and getting clean sheets and see where it takes us.”

That feeling of togetherness and hunger was seen on Sunday, building off of the team effort that was required to get back to winning ways against Tottenham last week, when City found themselves 0-2 behind at the half-time interval.

This group hunger is an element John Stones was particularly keen to identify when speaking to broadcasters after the win against Julen Lopetegui’s squad.

“Everyone today, absolutely everyone, everyone who came off the bench, everyone played their part, and that’s definitely been why we’ve been so successful over the years because we’ve all got the same focus, the same hunger, no matter how much time you get on the pitch, or when called upon you’ve got to be ready, and everyone’s willing to do that.”

Before Manchester City’s next Premier League game, they take on Arsenal for the first time this season, albeit in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Friday night.

While it may come as a refreshing break from the relentless nature of the ongoing Premier League title race, the clash in the cup between City and Arsenal could be a crucial indicator as to which squad is truly in the finer shape to carry over an FA Cup performance into the league.

The two sides meet in the Premier League next month at the Emirates Stadium, in what many believe could be a huge game in terms of the direction of this season’s English top-flight title.

“Massive (occasion). I’m sure there’s a lot of talk outside of the dressing room, about us playing them (in the FA Cup). But we’re so focussed on what’s in front of us and not get dragged into what’s going on on the outside,” Stones explained.

“Keep focussed, control what we can, which is how we play and how we prepare for that game and go into it like we do every other game and see where it takes us.”