‘We didn’t play to our usual standard’ – John Stones reacts to Man City missed chances vs Newcastle

John Stones has warned Manchester City they need to learn the lessons of their scare at Newcastle if they are to prosper again this season.

The reigning Premier League champions trailed 3-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday before mounting a concerted fightback to snatch a 3-3 draw from a classic encounter.

It was a dream start for City after Ilkay Gundogan made it 1-0 after just five minutes – continuing his very impressive goalscoring record.

However, things quickly turned as Eddie Howe’s side went on to score three goals without reply as Guardiola’s team faced their first real test in the new season.

The Premier League champions then hit back with two goals in five minutes through Erling Haaland and Bernando Silva before United regrouped and saw out an impressive point.

When asked about the result, Stones said: “Difficult, very difficult. We knew the quality that they had. It was a difficult end to end game.

“I thought we didn’t play to our usual standard. Bit frustrated at the end. We showed great character to come back. I think we could have maybe took more of our chances.

“That was the feeling coming off the pitch at the end, a bit defeated that we’ve not come away with the three points in the end. We have to give credit to them as well, how they played and how they stopped us playing in certain ways.”