John Stones fired a title warning to Arsenal after Manchester City started to chip away at their lead on the high of the Premier League.
City lower the deficit again to 5 factors after a Riyad Mahrez strike secured a 1-0 win at Chelsea on Thursday night time.
With City nonetheless having to play the Gunners twice, they continue to be fancied to overtake them and safe a fifth title in six seasons.
But England defender Stones insists it’s nonetheless far too early to foretell an general winner.
“We don’t focus on the table so early. There are 63 points to play for, we have to take it a game at a time,” he instructed the membership web site.
“In previous years we’ve been on winning runs and we have to keep the momentum going. If we play like we did at Chelsea then we can go all the way this season.”
City face Chelsea once more on Sunday within the FA Cup, the place there may be more likely to be a spot within the aspect for Rico Lewis.
Although it was the double substitution on the hour of Mahrez and Jack Grealish which led to the profitable aim lower than three minutes later, Pep Guardiola felt Lewis’ half-time introduction swung the match in City’s favour.
“This young boy has ability and quality not just to play good but to make us better,” stated the City boss.
“This is so difficult to find. Not only did he play well, but when he came on Rodri played better and Kevin (De Bruyne) played better and Riyad played better.
“He has the talent to do that. Right now he is fundamental for us, he is a key player for us right now.”
Chelsea’s accidents are piling up once more forward of the journey to the Etihad.
Already lacking Mason Mount to a training-ground knock, Chelsea misplaced Raheem Sterling to what appeared like a hamstring harm after solely a minute on Thursday, and shortly after Christian Pulisic adopted him off with a knee downside.
The stress on supervisor Graham Potter is rising after only one win of their final eight Premier League matches.
Nevertheless, Potter stated: “I liked what we tried to do against a top side. We were competitive and had spirit on the pitch, courage in attack and took responsibility at the back.
“Apart from the result, as we hate to lose, I’m proud of the players.”
Potter stated he hopes to have England midfielder Mount again for Sunday’s third-round conflict.
