Manchester City ensured that they remain right in the Premier League title race with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.
Yaya Toure got the only goal of the game for the hosts, converting from close range with just 20 minutes left following a frustrating afternoon for his side.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how City picked up a vital victory.
Match statistics
Man City
Shots: 19
On target: 7
Possession: 74%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 16
Stoke
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 26%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
Yes. City dominated for the vast majority of the match, with Stoke focused mainly on defensive duties - particularly in the second half. They carried out those duties admirably, but in the end the relentless pressure told and City got the deserved winner.
Despite the stats being so heavily in favour of the hosts, however, anything more than a one-goal victory would have been harsh on Stoke. City failed to turn their overwhelming possession into chances and looked short of ideas in attack at times.
Saying that, they were the only team trying to win the match and eventually managed to grind out the victory for a valuable and warranted three points.
Man City's performance
It was by no means a vintage Manchester City display, but they got the job done and returned to winning ways in the Premier League, which was the first priority for them this afternoon. The home fans are used to seeing goals flying in at the Etihad, but they weren't similarly spoiled this afternoon as the hosts were a shadow of the team who have established themselves as the Premier League's highest scorers. They lacked their usual flair and pace in attack, which allowed Stoke to set a firm defensive formation that City really struggled to break down. However, this was the cliched match that showed 'what champions are made of', and in that respect manager Manuel Pellegrini will be happy that his side were able to win when not at their best.
Stoke's performance
For 70 minutes, it was a very impressive defensive display. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't exciting, but it was effective and exactly what Stoke needed to do if they were to come away from today's match with what would have been an unexpected point. The Potters were more expansive in the first half and even had a few decent sights of goal that could have given them a shock lead, but the second half was all about defending and they rarely ventured into the City half. It will go down as another loss in the history books as Stoke's winless streak away from home stretches to 12 league games, but manager Mark Hughes can draw plenty of positives from the match; and if his side show similar resilience for the rest of the season, then they should be safe.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Silva: None of the City players were at their best today as they were starved of space in the middle of the park, but David Silva was the one who repeatedly looked most likely to create a chance or make the breakthrough for his side. He pulled the strings for much of the game and, while most of the attacks were met by a wall of Stoke defenders, he kept getting into good positions and threatening more than any other player.
Biggest gaffe
There is only one winner here. Edin Dzeko had a poor game today, and the epitome of it was a dreadful miss that could have doubled City's lead just four minutes after Toure have broken the deadlock. The Ivorian was again involved in the build-up, playing the ball to Jesus Navas, who in turn put a low cross into the middle. Dzeko was waiting at the back post and had a simple finish from four yards out with the goal gaping, but flicked the ball into his own standing leg, allowing the Stoke defence to clear. It really was a sitter for the Bosnian striker, and he will still be wondering quite how he failed to score it. With Sergio Aguero nearing full fitness again, that will have done Dzeko's first-team chances no good.
Referee performance
Chris Foy had a fairly quiet game this afternoon, with no big decisions to be made at either end of the pitch. His yellow card was produced a few times, but on each occasion it was warranted. A good, solid performance from the referee.
What next?
Man City: That is City's last Premier League game for three weeks as they begin preparations for the League Cup final against Sunderland next Sunday.
Stoke: The tough games keep coming for Stoke as they play host to Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium next Saturday.
Barney Corkhill
