05 January 2023 , 22:59
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Pep Guardiola has hailed John Stones' performance in the 1-0 win over Chelsea - and believes the centre-back is in the form of his Manchester City career.
Riyad Mahrez's second-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides at Stamford Bridge as City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points. Guardiola's side had hit a bump in the road with a 1-1 draw against Everton on New Year's Day but bounced back with a dogged win.
After the game, the City boss heaped praise on Stones, who is becoming a key figure at the back for Guardiola's men and was impressive in west London. The 28-year-old was awarded the Player of the Match prize for his efforts, with Stones winning all of his aerial dues, completing 87 passes and making four clearances throughout.
Guardiola had nothing but good things to say about the defender, while the Spaniard also praised Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez for their impact on the game after coming on the second-half. The pair replaced Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden, who both produced disappointing performances for City.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: "We didn't play good in the first half. I said thank you to Cancelo for his effort, playing in not his usual position. But we decided to go with a line-up where our players could adapt on the pitch if they decided to go five at the back.
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"In the second half we were miles, miles better in every department. It's a big result for us. Riyad [Mahrez] I knew the space would be there for him. He's good one-on-one in the final third.
(Getty Images)"John Stones he played extraordinary in the World Cup and he can adapt perfectly with three or out wide. He is playing at the best level, maybe for the first time in seven years since we arrived together. When he is playing like this it's so good.
"Grealish's body language is exceptional if he plays or doesn't play. These type of guys always play good. He was really good defensively too. We struggled a lot in the first half, it was sloppy and slow and without rhythm In the second half it was much, much better from minute one.
"The three points are important, definitely. The players know it, for a long time we were at the top. But we try, we have the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and then Old Trafford. But it's important for these games, a win today, then Old Trafford then Spurs, it's important for the top of the league."
City are next in action when they face Chelsea again in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, before they travel to Southampton in the Carabao Cup and take on Manchester United in the Premier League.