Leon Bailey’s deflected second-half goal secured the three points for the hosts under the floodlights at Villa Park.
Pep Guardiola‘s men, who are now winless in four league matches, sit fourth in the table, six points off league-leaders Arsenal.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
But Stones declared the team’s intent to put things right in the upcoming matches, starting on Sunday against Luton Town.
“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,” he said.
“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 I think we will do tomorrow once we’ve analysed it and settled down emotionally.
“We win and lose together. I think we all could have done better tonight. I believe in us as individuals and as a team. We’ve got a great opportunity with a game coming up so soon on the weekend to put things right and to get back to winning ways.
“We need to not forget this feeling, but not dwell on it either. We have to use this pain after all the success we’ve had, I think it can work in our favour and make us even better as a team.”
The Englishman also reserved some praise for Unai Emery’s side after the game and touched on the need to be self-critical after defeat.
Watch the entire interview via the video at the top of the page.
