Sergio Aguero scored his first goals since December as Manchester City got their title challenge back on track with victory at Stoke.
City, who had not won at the Britannia in the Premier League, took the lead through Aguero’s run and finish.
Peter Crouch stooped to head a deserved equaliser for Stoke but James Milner nodded Manchester City back in front.
Aguero got his second from the penalty spot after David Silva had been fouled, before Samir Nasri drove in a fourth.
It was a welcome return to winning ways for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, and ensured their seven-point deficit on Premier League leaders Chelsea did not get any bigger with Jose Mourinho’s side beating Everton.
