Manuel Pellegrini hails "big victory" over Stoke City

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has hailed a "big, big victory" after watching his side run out 4-1 winners over Stoke City on Wednesday.

The win means that City stay on the coattails of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, with Jose Mourinho's men maintaining their seven-point gap at the summit thanks to their 1-0 win over Everton.

"It's a big, big victory because I think that before the game, we never believed that we would score four goals against Stoke, because it is very difficult, but I thought that we played very well," Pellegrini told Sky Sports News.

"I thought it was a return to normal, especially with the creative players and we know Stoke are a strong team."

Pellegrini also reserved a word for Sergio Aguero who scored twice, but the Chilean played down a back injury that the Argentina striker picked up during the game.

He added: "It's important [for him to score], because the more Aguero plays, he will improve his performance, and every player needs minutes to return to his normal performance. So for him to score is very important. He felt some problem in his back, but I don't think it is [too serious]."

City host Newcastle United next on February 21.