Silva shines as City see off Stoke

Stoke went into the game knowing that a win would take them out of the relegation zone, but City’s quality proved too much on the night as early goals in each half condemned the ‘Potters’ to defeat at the bet365 Stadium.

After a steady start comprising of plenty of City possession the Premier League leaders opened the scoring with 10 minutes gone. Gabriel Jesus did well to hold the ball up before slipping in the returning Raheem Sterling down the right and the England international’s low cross was perfect for David Silva to side foot past Jack Butland to put the visitors ahead.

City looked like they might rout their opponents for a brief spell after that second goal as Fernandinho found the side-netting after a lung-bursting run and Sterling was denied by Butland at the near post following some lovely quick feet in the box.

The introduction of Peter Crouch almost paid immediate dividends for Stoke as Bruno Martins Indi hooked a good chance just over within seconds of the veteran striker's arrival

However, there were no real signs of a late Stoke comeback and the visitors wasted further chances to add gloss to the scoreline.

First, Kyle Walker sliced an effort horribly wide after being put in on the overlap by De Bruyne before Sterling was somehow denied by a last-ditch N'Diaye challenge after stealing possession in the aftermath of a drop-ball.

Nevertheless it was a routine victory in the end for City who restore their 16-point lead at the top of the table, whilst Stoke remain in the drop zone in 19th.