Manchester City have now won their opening league fixture in 10 consecutive seasons, a new Premier League record, following their 3-1 away win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
City were without seven first-team players. as they began their Premier League campaign at Wolves tonight with a hard-fought win.
Guardiola had seen his squad weakened by a combination of injury and the coronavirus missing their outstanding cutting edge in Sergio Agüero, Bernardo Silva, Eric Garcia and with Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gündogan all in various stages of Covid-19 recovery.
In their absence Pep Guardiola handed a rare Premier League debut to John Stones at centre-back. Monday night was the first match of real significance that Stones has started since a Manchester derby defeat way back in December, starting in the absence of injured Barcelona target Eric Garcia
The centre-back’s time at the club looked as though it could be over at the beginning of the summer after another season of injury troubles and bad form.
John Stones showed signs of recapturing his best form alongside debutant Nathan Ake in win at Wolves. Was untroubled in the first half, but looked vulnerable in spells during the second as the Wolves front three frequently got in behind the City backline.
On a much-anticipated return to the side, Stones’ passing was on point as usual and he cleaned up a few challenges. However, he nearly cost City a goal when he played Wolves attacker Daniel Podence onside and was beaten on other occasions.
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He was excellent🔥— remington (@remingt41213348) September 21, 2020
Looked his 17/18 best at times, but shell shocked during that 15 minute spell second half. Hardly news but it’s all in his head, slightest mistakes seem to live with him for far too long.— Nick (@brightwelleyes) September 21, 2020
Solid. A few mistakes but if he gets a run of games he could get sharper. Tbh he screams defensive midfielder to me – surprised Pep hasn’t tried him there more. Could do Fernandinho’s job in the long run. His mistakes wouldn’t be so costly and would add more power to the midfield— Jack Parkes (@jparkes1991) September 21, 2020
That is fast… Like a blink of an eye.. It’s not mistake cuz he didn’t expect that he’ll make that cross from that angle… Actually should applaud podence but still some are blaming stones than applauding podence— Sasiy2j (@Sasiy2j) September 21, 2020
People’s agendas against him… Give it a rest, he was excellent today— GabyZezus (@GabyZezus) September 21, 2020
John Stones vs Wolvespic.twitter.com/pr9WeFkGxP— josh (@ctrfootball) September 22, 2020
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