It was a hard-fought win at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening with Phil Foden’s first half strike the decisive moment.
Erling Haaland shrugged off a Bournemouth defender before firing a stinging shot into the path of Neto whose save fell to an on running Foden who converted the rebound in the 24th minute.
Stones helped City hold off a resolute Cherries side who saw chances from Dominic Solanke and Enes Unal fly wide of Ederson’s goal as City extended our unbeaten run to 17 in all competitions as we enter the business end of the season.
MATCH REPORT | BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 CITY
And Stones assured that City enjoy this part of the campaign.
“The pressure [of a top three title race], we thrive off and I’m sure the other teams do too,” said Stones.
“For us it’s about focusing on ourselves. Every game is a final for us, winning it, getting three points, taking out at much from it as we can and moving onto the next.
“It’s about performing well in every game between now and the end of the season.
“I always feel if we perform well then we’re going to get something good out the game. Winning and keeping clean sheets is vital. To go that against a difficult side is really pleasing.
“We focus all our energy on what’s in front of us, keeping focusing on ourselves and I think that’s our biggest quality, staying in our lane and focusing on what we can do.”
The England international was all over the pitch in his hybrid role which saw him charge into Bournemouth’s third when he transitioned from centre-back to midfielder as City looked to overload Andoni Iraola’s defensive line.
And Stones explained that was part of Pep Guardiola’s game plan following his extensive preparation ahead of kick-off.
“Creating overloads and creating space for the boys upfront,” Stones told Sky Sports when asked what it was Guardiola instructed him to do throughout the match.
“Today we went more into the space with Erling and I thought that went really well. We knew we had to take our chances.
“For me it was about trying to find the space and create space for others by playing in that role of coming in from centre half to midfield. With me coming in I got in a few times in the first half.
“Creating that and causing problems, trying to find the space is the main aim and the manager drills that into us in training.”
