Manchester City kept themselves within touching distance of leaders Manchester United by claiming a 3-0 victory over Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

Pablo Zabaleta put the home team in front just before the break, before further goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero sealed the victory after the restart.

Below, Sports Mole looks back over the 90 minutes to determine whether or not the result flattered the champions.

Match statistics:

Man City:
Shots 17
On target 9
Possession 59%
Corners 7
Fouls 6

Stoke:
Shots 4
On target 3
Possession 41%
Corners 2
Fouls 9

Was the result fair?

Stoke never really looked like they believed that they could win this match and as a result they got well and truly beaten. Man City were the better side throughout and but for some good saves from Asmir Begovic and some last-ditch defending from the visitors, the winning margin could have been even greater.

Man City's performance

It took the champions a little while to get going, but they never looked like not winning this encounter. From the first whistle they went on the offensive and were eventually rewarded. The City midfield in particular kept the ball very well at times and made their opposite numbers work extremely hard.

Stoke's performance

One thing Stoke can never be accused of is lacking in effort and once again today they gave 100%. However, they never posed a real threat to the Man City goal and didn't even have a shot on or off target during the opening 45 minutes. If you set up your team to play that way, you'll never win. They played much better when they fell behind, but City had taken their foot of the gas.

Sports Mole's man of the match

James Milner: The England midfielder was asked to do the less glamorous side of football today and he did it extremely well. He won possession back for his side on a number of occasions and used the ball efficiently. His performance wasn't all about tackling though. At times the former Leeds United and Aston Villa player showed that he can produce teasing crosses from wide on the right.

Biggest gaffe

With his side 2-0 down, Jonathan Walters had a great chance to halve the deficit for Stoke. However, as the ball fell to him inside the six-yard box, the Irish international got his feet all wrong and only succeeded in somehow lifting the ball over the crossbar.

Referee's performance

Michael Oliver was having a decent game until he made the decision to award Man City a penalty. Yes it was a foul by Steven Nzonzi on David Silva, but it was clearly committed outside of the area - despite the City midfielder falling into the box. It had no real bearing on the game, but it was a poor verdict nonetheless.

What next?

Man City: Roberto Mancini may rest a handful of senior players next time out as his side plays hosts to Championship outfit Watford in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Stoke: The Potters are also in FA Cup action on Saturday and face an awkward looking tip to Ian Holloway's Crystal Palace.