Mame Biram Diouf's first goal for Stoke City allowed the Potters to claim a 1-0 victory away at champions Manchester City this afternoon.
The Senegal striker struck during the second half and despite the home side having plenty of possession in the closing stages, they were unable to get themselves back in the contest.
Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the 90 minutes to determine if Stoke were worthy winners, or whether they got lucky at the Etihad Stadium.
Match statistics
Man City
Shots: 16
On target: 2
Possession: 73%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 14
Stoke
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 27%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 5
Was the result fair?
Man City may have had more than double the number of shots that their visitors managed, but both sides recorded just two efforts on target. That statistic sums up the encounter - Stoke were more efficient. Yes, City may have had more of the possession, particularly during the second half, but it's what you do with it that counts and the away team made the most of the ball when they had it. Mark Hughes's men came with a plan and they executed perfectly, making them worthy victors.
Man City's performance
From the first whistle until the last, there was very little fluency about City's play. The likes of David Silva and Samir Nasri were rarely in possession in the areas that mattered, which meant that the supply to the likes of Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic was limited. Meanwhile, he may have hit the crossbar, but Yaya Toure's form must be a cause of concern for Manuel Pellegrini. There were times today when the Ivorian did not look interested. In terms of the performance, it shouldn't cause Pellegrini many sleepless nights. They had enough of the ball to win the game and you'd expect them to make more use of it, just as they have done against Newcastle United and Liverpool already this season, next time out.
Stoke's performance
As mentioned earlier, Stoke arrived at the Etihad Stadium with a plan in place and they executed it to the letter. They defended brilliantly throughout, but they were also adventurous on the counter-attack when the opportunity presented itself. The likes of Victor Moses and Diouf caused problems out wide all afternoon, while Peter Crouch played the role of a lone centre-forward extremely well. It was the perfect away performance from Hughes's charges.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Phil Bardsley: Stoke have a number of contenders for this award, but we have decided to give it to full-back Bardsley. He showed fantastic fitness levels, even when those around him were struggling, as well as making a host of crucial challenges and clearances in and around his own penalty area.
Biggest gaffe
While Diouf's goal was certainly impressive, from a City point of view, it was a poor one to concede. Fernandinho let the Stoke striker burst through far too easily, while Joe Hart in goal hardly covered himself in glory with his effort to stop the low shot.
Referee performance
Lee Mason got it wrong during the first half when he failed to award Stoke a penalty for a foul on Diouf, but he later made amends when Toure hit the deck inside the area. It must have been tempting to award a spot kick as the calls from the home fans and players grew, but he rightly booked the City midfielder for diving. Aside from that, it was a relatively comfortable afternoon for the man with the whistle.
What next?
Man City: After the international break, City will make the trip to North London to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Stoke: As for Stoke, they return to the home comforts of the Britannia Stadium when Leicester City make the trip to the Potteries.
Liam Apicella
