Pat Nevin: 'Stoke City could earn Europa League spot'

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has suggested that Stoke City could challenge for a Europa League place this season.

The Potters have now taken 19 points from a possible 27 and climbed into ninth place following their 2-0 win against Manchester City.

However, Nevin has claimed that Stoke are capable of moving further up the Premier League table, if they keep their key players fit.

He told BBC Sport: "Great confidence coming through this entire Stoke team - they will remember today.

"I would be very surprised if they don't go on to finish well up in the top 10. If everybody stays fit, they could challenge for Europe.

"Meanwhile, it's tough times for Manuel Pellegrini and Manchester City. There were a lot of failures in that team today."

The leaders have failed to keep a clean sheet this season without the presence of captain Vincent Kompany in their defence.