Manchester City ended a run of four games without a win as they secured an emphatic 4-1 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this evening.

Sergio Aguero and Peter Crouch were both on the scoresheet in a level first half, but Aguero added a second after the break, while James Milner and Samir Nasri also found the back of the net.

The result keeps Manuel Pellegrini's side second in the table, seven points behind Chelsea, while Stoke remain 10th.

Here, Sports Mole analyses this evening's result.

Match statistics

STOKE CITY
Shots: 17
On target: 5
Possession: 51%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 6

MAN CITY
Shots: 14
On target: 8
Possession: 49%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

Manchester City certainly produced the better material in front of goal on the night, so the win was definitely the right result. The scoreline seems a little harsh though as the home side were denied what should have been a penalty in the first half, and were the better side until Aguero scored his second and Man City's third with 20 minutes to go.

Stoke's performance

Stoke were certainly the better side in the first half, creating more genuine chances and putting the visitors under sustained pressure at the back. Victor Moses proved too much for Pablo Zabaleta down the left wing for much of the evening, while Marko Arnautovic caused similar problems on the opposite flank. However, there were some sloppy mistakes at the back which ultimately cost the Potters, including some poor marking from Phil Bardsley in the run-up to the opening goal, and a careless error from Geoff Cameron to concede a penalty.

Man City's performance

Pellegrini's side took a little while to find their way into the match, but they made the most of their chances in the first half before coming out all guns blazing in the second half. Aguero and David Silva struck up a dangerous-looking partnership up front, while the defenders put in a big performance too, particularly Zabaleta who had to battle against the lively Moses for most of the night. Joe Hart had to make some reaction saves in the first half, but was well protected after the break.

Sports Mole's man of the match

David Silva: While Aguero will take the headlines for his two goals this evening, Silva was the real creative force behind many of the visitors' attacking moves, linking up with a number of his teammates to keep the chances coming throughout the night. The Spaniard was also responsible for winning the penalty that seemed to end Stoke's resilience, forcing an error from Cameron with some determined pressing in the box.

Biggest gaffe

There were a few careless moments at the back from Stoke, but this has to go to Aguero for his handball before the break. It looked more accidental than a deliberate attempt to punch the ball in, but the striker still tried to claim it as a fair goal, until the assistant referee pointed it out. Had he kept his hand out of the way, that would have left Man City ahead at half time, and surely given them an easier second half.

Referee performance

It was a mixed night from Lee Mason as he failed to give a penalty against James Milner for a handball in the first half, and awarded the Aguero handball as a goal before being corrected by his assistant. However, he did correctly rule out an offside effort from Crouch in the first half, and waved away several rather hopeful penalty shouts in an eventful match.

What next?

Stoke City: Stoke are in FA Cup action on Saturday as they travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers.

Man City: Man City have a 10-day break before they host Newcastle in their next match.