Manchester City were held to a frustrating draw by Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at the weekend despite having come from behind and taking the lead in the 87th minute through Sergio Aguero.
A late own goal from Fernandinho ensured the visitors didn’t leave the Etihad empty-handed much to the frustration of Pep Guardiola.
City’s central-defensive troubles have been well-documented this season and John Stones, in particular, has come in for some intense criticism in the aftermath of the result after City Chief asked their followers for their thoughts on the centre-back on Twitter.
Would you like to see Stones sold?
No
Yes
Way too inconsistent. I’ve been one of his believers that he can turn it around but, it is always one step forward two steps back for him.
— Balotelli….. AguerOOOOOOOOOOOOO (@caruso_stan) January 18, 2020
Garcia should play ahead of him
— Mohad (@mohamedamiin2) January 18, 2020
Shockingly inconsistent, always needs an experienced defender to hold his hand
— shackleton (@JoshShackleton) January 18, 2020
No confidence and he doesn’t have the ability to get it back.
— James Radcliffe (@JRadcliffe20119) January 18, 2020
OUT !
— Manchester City ?? (@MCityFrance) January 18, 2020
Hopefully Pep sees what most of us see and that was his last game
— Walter (@ManCitizen06) January 18, 2020
What do we think?
Stones’ form has taken a dramatic dip this season and as a result, Fernandinho has been asked to deputise at centre-back in the absence of Aymeric Laporte with Guardiola seemingly refusing to put his faith in the England international and Nicolas Otamendi.
That alone tells you all you need to know about how Stones’ performances this season have gone down with the coaching staff but somewhere, deep down, there is a talented player in the 25-year-old, who is valued at £54 million (as per Transfermarkt).
He’s been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal (an article that has since been taken down) in recent weeks but the boss has refused he’ll be leaving for North London during this current transfer window – but in regards to his long-term future with the club, it’s impossible to draw any conclusions at present.