Manchester City defender John Stones enjoying his football under boss Pep Guardiola: 'I want to keep improving'

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Manchester City defender John Stones is aiming to continue his impressive form this season in his bid to win silverware under Pep Guardiola. 

The centre back endured an underwhelming debut campaign at the Etihad last term after arriving from Everton, and was criticised for his errors at the back. 

But the England international has looked more assured this year, playing a key role in a City team who are top of the Premier League, while also looking impressive in the 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday. 

John Stones applauds the Manchester City fans following the win over Arsenal on Sunday

Stones puts in well-timed challenge on Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez at the Etihad Stadium

And Stones admits he feels his game has improved in Manchester — and is realistic when it comes to making mistakes in defence.  

He said: 'I'm enjoying my football. I'm sure you've heard it before but when you're enjoying it, playing well, your mind is free and things come off.

'I want to keep improving, keep this form going, striving to keep getting better. I think I am every day.

'I'm going in looking to improve no matter what it is and what you are doing on the training pitch.

'If I keep doing that, keep doing things right then hopefully I can stay at this form, everyone would love to stay at their peak for 10 years but it's not going to happen.

'Things will happen like today. I was running out with the ball and I lost it a few times but you keep going at it and keep that mental strength, knowing it will come off if I keep doing it.'

Stones was tasked with keeping Sanchez quiet, and helped his side secure a vital victory 

City have lived up to their title favourites tag by winning 10 of their opening 11 games this season, and lead arch rivals Manchester United by eight points following the win over the Gunners. 

And Stones admits the hunger to win silverware this season has played a crucial role in their stunning start to the campaign. 

He added: 'A lot of it is down to the preparation and post match. 

'The recovery we do, how we go about things in the few days before the next game, the staff keep us fit and healthy and keep that mental state, the winning run. 

'That comes from everyone, the hunger, the fight. The boys have won titles and are hungry to do it again. That's driving us on. 

'For people like me who haven't won anything it's all about progressing, getting as many points as we can and hopefully to achieve our targets which is to get silverware.'

Pep Guardiola signed Stones from Everton and he has looked more assured this season