Monday gossip

by MCFC Editorial

Media heap praise on Laporte and Stones

After the draw at Liverpool on Sunday, the media were left hugely impressed by the performance of Manchester City’s centre-back pairing.

And there’s news today, too, of a wonderful gesture by one City player moved by the disaster in Indonesia.
But let’s start with reaction to the 0-0 at Anfield – our first clean sheet there in the Premier League – in a result that means we go into the international break top of the table after an unbeaten start.
Graeme Souness, speaking in his role as a Sky Sports analyst, says he was impressed with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, who he believes represent the present and the future for the Blues.

“I think Laporte and John Stones are the future. They might be the present as well," he said.
"Certainly, when you look at the age of them, and they’re both lean and quick and good footballing types.
"You can see they fit the bill for the way he wants to play, and they could be a partnership for a long time.
"John Stones, when you think back to his days at Everton, was partial to making a mistake and I think he’s got that out of him."
Indeed, the pair were also lauded by the Manchester Evening News’ Stuart Brennan. In his post-match player ratings piece, Brennan wrote:
“John Stones: Played it almost perfectly alongside Laporte, winning all his headers and tackles and not misplacing a single pass, even the bolder forward types. 8
“Aymeric Laporte: He has improved hugely this season and was an absolute rock, timing tackles marvellously, seeing danger and snuffing it - and raking passes about. 9"

The MEN’s Charlotte Duncker was impressed, too. In her analysis of the match, Duncker says Laporte and Stones staked a claim to be Pep Guardiola’s first-choice pairing at the back.
“Laporte was one of City's best players in the draw against Liverpool, he denied Mohammed Salah twice in the first half with well-timed challenges and was there to cover for Benjamin Mendy.
“While Stones looked calm making a couple of important interceptions as Liverpool pressed in the opening exchanges. The pair didn't get anything wrong all afternoon. If they can stop the threat of what's supposed to be the most exciting and threatening front three in the league they should have no problems dealing with the rest of the division."

And, finally, a brilliant gesture from City forward Riyad Mahrez!
According to CBBC, he has sent a very special message to one boy recovering after an earthquake in South East Asia.
“The quake hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday 28 September," the report says.
“It caused a lot of damage there so aid has been sent to help with the recovery.
“One of those injured was 12-year-old Rizky.
“He was in an internet cafe in Palu watching highlights from his favourite football team Manchester City when "suddenly the earth started to shake".
“Rizky's arm was broken as he tried to run away.
“When his favourite Man City player, Riyad Mahrez, heard about what had happened to him, he decided to send him a video message!
“Mahrez will also be sending him a signed shirt."
That’s all for this morning’s media roundup, Blues. Stay with us throughout the day as we continue to bring you reaction from yesterday’s big game.