'The Premier League is the strongest league in the world'

City boss Pep Guardiola pointed out on Friday that just two points separated first from fifth ahead of this weekend's games, with the Spaniard confident that the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham are genuine contenders this season.

Now, speaking ahead of City's clash with Spurs on Monday night, Stones has gone one further, saying that the competitivity at the sharp end of the division is proof that the English top flight is the strongest league in world football.

"I believe it's the strongest league in the world, by far. Every team in the Premier League is so strong, no matter where they are in the table," he said.

"You've seen last season where West Brom were having troubles, a new manager [Darren Moore] came in, they went to Old Trafford, beat United and we won the league off of that. I think that shows that any team can beat anyone and not only the top five, top six is strong.

"At any given moment or time, anything can happen in football, but the depth in the league is good. I think it's good because no one ever takes their foot off the gas, especially against the top teams."

The meeting between the two sides on Monday will be the first since City ended a disappointing week with a 3-1 win at Wembley in April, having fallen to a 3-2 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United (having been 2-0 up) and crashed out of the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate at the hands of Liverpool at the quarter-final stage.

"It was a really difficult week," he admitted. "We had a chance to win the league and getting knocked out of the Champions League after the display that we put on at the Etihad, there were a lot of emotions running about to be honest. There were a lot of thoughts, a lot quieter in the dressing room, as expected really.

"It was a difficult week in the respect of the teams that we played as well. They were both top teams and to get over the line and play the way that the lads did at Wembley was as positive as the result really.

"I think it shows the character and drive that the lads have still got, to prove a point to ourselves that we could go out and beat a top team after two difficult defeats."

Whilst much has been made about whether City can follow up last season's record-breaking points and goal tallies last term, Stones is confident his side can retain their crown.

"Definitely. We're in a privileged position to be able to wear the gold [sleeve] badge," he said.

"We've got to wear it with pride and know what kind of blood, sweat and tears went into that shirt to get what we all dreamed of and worked nine months of out the year to get.

"I suppose those little reminders of what we are and who we are give us that belief and confidence to go out, play at the highest level and try to keep reproducing it.

"That's the hardest thing, to be consistent as a player and as a team. Going back to the 100 points, that's never been done before and hopefully we can strive to beat it again this season.

"I wouldn't say I've got the bug but I've had that feeling of what it's like to lift a trophy. It's definitely addictive and one that I want to make the most opportunities to be able to lift another trophy and as many as I can."