Michail Antonio has lauded Manchester City defender John Stones for his finish that led to his side’s opening goal against Liverpool.
The Englishman capped off a crafty set-piece from City after Kevin De Bruyne played a straight ball inside the Reds’ penalty area that dumbfounded them.
Nathan Ake, who was marked by Alexis Mac Allister drew the Argentine towards him, leaving the £47.5 million (BBC Sport) centre-back unmarked in the box.
From there on, John Stones simply had to prod the ball into the back of the net, which he did with ease.
Michail Antonio says “people don’t understand” how brilliant Manchester City defender John Stones’ finish was against Liverpool
Considering the goal was scored from close range, it would be natural to assume that the finish was a piece of cake for Stones.
Despite being a defender, when asked to produce a finish from such a distance, one would call it a howler if he fluffed his lines.
But Michail Antonio has explained why the finish from John Stones was excellent against Liverpool to put Manchester City into the lead.
“It is a great finish. People don’t understand how good that finish was because it’s so close to the goal but the ball bouncing into you, it’s zipped up, try to keep it down, it’s a great finish. ‘Keeper’s right in front of him as well”, he said on BBC Sounds’ The Footballers’ Football Podcast.
“You’re half looking at the ‘keeper, ‘keeper’s right in front of him so it’s a great finish and like you said, it was worked on because you can see, Liverpool stay high. Especially if it’s an outswinger, all the Liverpool players stay high and obviously, they’ve got massive players so to think to put it inside, ah mate, it’s quality. Genius.”
John Stones was the correct fit to finish off the set-piece routine against Jurgen Klopp’s side
Michail Antonio has analysed the finish from John Stones to perfection and in our view, he was the best possible pick out of all the Manchester City defenders to finish off the set-piece routine against Liverpool.
While the likes of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker all possess quality technique, only the former Everton colossus would be able to put the ball in the back of the net first-time.
Especially in a high-stakes game against a side like Liverpool and that too at Anfield, it was smart from City to nominate Stones to get the job done, as he was the likeliest defender too, also considering how calm he remains under pressure.