John Stones has revealed that the Manchester City squad all have the same "mentality, desire and focus" as they look to claw back ground on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
A 1-1 draw at home to Everton on New Year's Eve saw City fall further behind the Gunners after Erling Haaland's 21st league goal of the season was cancelled out by a stunning Demarai Gray strike. Mikel Arteta's side currently sit eight points clear of the Blues, but a win against Chelsea on Thursday night would see Pep Guardiola's men close the gap to just five points.
The Catalan manager will be desperate for his side to start to show the ruthlessness that has seen them win four out of the last five top-flight campaigns and the clash at Stamford Bridge can provide the perfect opportunity for them to do just that.
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Ahead of kick-off, Stones has lifted the lid on the atmosphere in the changing room. The centre- back has claimed that despite the frustrating start to the season, the whole team are ready to step up after the World Cup break.
“There has to be [a change in mindset after the World Cup]," Stones told club media. "It is different styles of play and different game modes. Seven games to win a World Cup, we have got several different competitions here. It is definitely a switch in mindset and you put things at the back of your mind until the end of the season to reflect on what has happened.
“You have got to focus on the here and now and that is the Premier League and what we can affect in the games that are coming up. The feeling around the dressing room is that everyone has got the same mentality, desire and focus on what we want to achieve this season.
“We take it game by game as we always have and hopefully we can keep picking up the crucial points."
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