Arsenal hero Paul Merson believes John Stones should be looking to leave Manchester City.

The defender was left out of the starting line-up against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“Rodri and Fernandinho did well at Crystal Palace but you wouldn't want to play them together at the back for the next 28 games," Merson said.

“If you were John Stones you'd want to be leaving now, wouldn't you? In my opinion he's fit to play. If he's not fit why is he on the bench? It was a strange one for me. It's one of those Pep Guardiola decisions that was amazing, but it could have gone wrong. It was a big call to leave Stones on the bench.

“From my experience, I'd be asking serious questions if I were Stones. It's like me being a No 10 and a manager putting Tony Adams in my place. I'd be thinking what's happening here?

“A holding midfielder is not a centre-half. This lad is a £50m defender. It's not like he was always there, and Pep just doesn't fancy him as a player - a bit like Mesut Ozil and Unai Emery - it's not like that at all.

“I would say that decision is the final proof that Pep just doesn't trust Stones anymore. It really doesn't look good for Stones."