From the Barnsley Beckenbauer to hybrid hero of Istanbul, John Stones will live in the memory of Manchester City fans forever

When Liverpool visited the Etihad Stadium in 2019, the Merseyside club were top of the Premier League table and had the chance to extend their advantage to nine points. Pep Guardiola ’s side, in third at the time, would have been 10 points off the top had they lost. Jurgen Klopp’s side needed a win on enemy territory to bolster their chances of winning the title.

As it turns out, they nearly did. Following a mix-up with Ederson , the net was gaping but Stones produced a moment of magic that, really, defied logic, leaping towards the ball and hooking it clear of danger. The gap was 1.

12cm from the goal line. City fans were relieved, the red minority within the Etihad Stadium stunned. Perhaps that is the most memorable goal-line clearance in modern Premier League history, not only for its distinction but the way it had built upon some audacious years as an Everton player in the years before.

“When he broke through you could tell he was a talent and suited Roberto Martinez’ s style,” lifelong Everton supporter Jack said. “In his last season, I remember we drew 1-1 with Spurs and he was doing a Cruyff turn in his own box, which led him telling the crowd to calm down. “We also had a belter of a song, ‘Money can’t buy you Stones,’ which was sung when we beat Chelsea 3-1 as they were heavily linked with him.