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Man City 4-0 Stoke City: Iheanacho leads City past Potters

NBC Sports

City rested Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne for this game as Manuel Pellegrini had one eye on Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid, and his side recovered from a slow start to ease to victory against a lackluster Stoke outfit.

With the win City have 64 points, five points clear of fifth-place Manchester United. Stoke have now conceded four goals in each of their last three games and remain on 47 points.

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City took the game to Stoke early on as Aguero linked up with with Iheanacho who curled his effort just wide of the far post.

Stoke brought themselves back into the game as Ryan Shawcross volleyed wide from a corner kick and Giannelli Imbula volleyed just over after a counter attack.

The home side took the lead through Fernando as he headed home at the near post from a corner, 1-0. No chance for Shay Given.

Just before the break Iheanacho got free inside the box and Shawcross blatantly hauled him down. Penalty kick and Aguero slotted it home for his 101st Premier League goal.

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After bringing on Jacob Haugaard for Given at half time, Stoke came back into the game at the start of the second half with three fine chances. First Arnautovic crossed for Joselu but he shanked an effort wide, then Mame Diouf was also off target and Joe Hart saved sharply at his near post from Arnautovic.

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Just as Stoke became a growing force in the game, Man City ended it. A great run down the right from Pablo Zabaleta saw him surge into the box and he crossed for Iheanacho to finish. 3-0.

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The 19-year-old Nigerian striker then added another following another Stoke miscue in defense as he rounded Haugaard coolly and slotted home. 4-0. Game over.

Late on Yaya Toure seemed to suffer a muscle injury but the Ivorian ran it off and now everyone at City will now have the clash against Real Madrid at the forefront of their minds.