Four-goal Euro blitz by City has foundations laid by rock-solid Stones
JOHN STONES was the unlikely goal hero as Manchester City stormed to their first Champions League away win under boss Pep Guardiola.
The defender headed home in each half to double his tally for the club and give City the perfect start to their Euro campaign.
Gabriel Jesus also netted on his Champions League debut and Sergio Aguero bagged his 23rd goal for City in the competition.
But Stones credited Kevin de Bruyne for the superb cross which helped seal his double.
He said: “I don’t get on the scoresheet too much but I’m trying to bring more goals to my game.
“The delivery’s so good, Kevin kind of puts it on a plate for you. I’m working as hard as I can to become better as I listen to the manager’s advice.”
But it was David Silva who was the architect of City’s first ever win in Holland. He created the first for Stones and floated around the pitch, leaving Feyenoord’s hapless players trailing in his wake.
Silva began the rout after just 95 seconds, crossing for Stones to connect with a header, which the bungling Tonny Vilhena managed to let through his legs at the back post. That set the tone for the match as City laid siege to the goal of former Liverpool keeper Brad Jones.
Eric Botteghin headed over Gabriel Jesus’ effort before Aguero made it 2-0 on 10 minutes with his 23rd Champions League goal in 41 games for City.
Bernardo Silva, making his second City start, fed
the overlapping Kyle Walker sprinting down the right and he crossed for Aguero to sweep home.
City No.1 Ederson played with protective headgear, although he barely needed it for all the action he saw.
The Brazilian proved he was switched on to save Michiel Kramer’s shot after Jean-Paul Boetius robbed Bernardo Silva in midfield. That was the briefest of respites for Feyenoord.
City scored again on 25 minutes when Jones parried Benjamin Mendy’s shot and Jesus tapped home the loose ball with the home side appealing in vain for offside.
De Bruyne then crossed for Aguero but his sights were off for once as the striker shot wide.
City did grab a fourth on 63 minutes when De Bruyne picked out Stones with a tantalising cross and he nodded home from inside the six-yard box.
Guardiola said: “There are a lot of things still to do but a start like this is so important.”