‘We have to use the pain’: Stones says after Aston Villa stun Manchester City

Manchester City’s defender John Stones opened up after Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa.

Villa dominated majority of the game and clinched their first win over City since 2013 thanks to a deflected shot from Leon Bailey in the 74th minute.

Pep Guardiola's men are now at fourth position on the table with 30 points after 15 games — six points behind leaders Arsenal — and are winless in their last four league matches.

The defending champions last went four Premier League games without a win in April 2017.

"We have to use the hurt and the pain that is within us, our stomachs, our brains, wherever it might be, as motivation and fuel to put things right. I think everyone has that desire," Stones told City's website.

"We've been in these positions in previous seasons. I don't think we or everyone should be hyping about what is going to happen. I think we have to stay calm as a team, which we will do tomorrow once we've analysed it and settled down emotionally."

City next travel to 17th-placed Luton Town on Sunday.

"Today Aston Villa played better and we struggled, especially in the first half," acknowledged Guardiola.

"The challenge now is going to Luton and trying to win the game," he added, referring to City's next fixture on Sunday. "As a manager, I have to find the way to lift them again and find the way to win games. Now we’re struggling a bit."

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