John Stones scores twice as Manchester City ease past Feyenoord

Manchester City produced an outstanding performance to open their seventh successive Champions League campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win at Feyenoord.

John Stones headed two goals with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus also on target as City ran riot at De Kuip to spoil the Dutch champions’ return to the competition after a 15-year absence.

Stones set the tone for a dominant display by claiming the opener in the second minute and the game was effectively over inside 25 minutes as Aguero and Jesus struck.

Stones’ second just after the hour wrapped up the victory and left City looking strong already in Group F ahead of back-to-back home games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Napoli.

What they said

Tweet of the Match

Star man – John Stones

Set City on the way to a convincing win with the opening goal in the second minute and doubled his tally with a powerful header in the second half. As well as making his presence felt at set-pieces, the England international was also strong at the back, giving City further confidence after Saturday’s victory over Liverpool that they can shut out teams without influential captain Vincent Kompany.

Moment of the match

City’s second goal had Pep Guardiola written all over it. It was a masterclass of speed of movement and thought combined with slick one-touch passing. Aguero’s lethal final touch finished off a wonderful move.

In the crowd

Much was made of the intimidating atmosphere City were likely to face at a noisy De Kuip. The Feyenoord fans were expected to be in full voice as they enjoyed their long-awaited Champions League return. This seemed the case prior to kick-off but City’s start was so impressive they were quickly silenced. The City fans took up the mantle, at one point running through a medley of chants taunting their Feyenoord counterparts. They really made themselves heard, underlining a growing love for this competition.

Player ratings

Who’s up next?

Manchester City v Watford (Premier League, September 16)

PSV Eindhoven v Feyenoord (Eredivisie, September 17)