It might be the level of opposition but the back 4 seemed a lot more solid and confident with Fernandinho in it.
I think he can lead the back line until Laporte comes back because he will speak up when needs be and they will all listen to him. However, he's leading from a position that isn't his natural one. We'll just have to hope it will be enough to get us through the tough games we have ahead without Laporte.
Tonight to me highlights the need for a leader at the back. How perhaps Stones doesn't have that quality(yet) and how Ota has never been that kind of player/personality.