Stoke kept a clean shhet for the first time on their travels since since December as Mame Biram Diouf's goal gave them a shock 1-0 win. City were frustrated as Stoke defended deep and shut them out.

Pellegrini brought in Bacary Sagna for his debut as well as Kolarov and Aguero, while Stoke included Victor Moses, Crouch and Jonathan Walters.

After 11 minutes, Nasri gathered a pass fro Bacary Sagna and unleashed ashot which goalkeeper Begovic turned away from his goal. But it was not until stoppage-time in the first half that Stoke’s goal was threatened again in a move that had been all too rare from the hosts over the first 45 minutes. Aguero slipped a pass to Kolarov who sprinted to the line and pulled the ball back for Toure whose shot, from the corner of the six-yard area, was tipped over by Begovic.

Pellegrini replaced the injured Fernando with Fernandinho, before Yaya Toure clipped the crossbar with the final effort of the opening half.

As the second half started City looked lethargic while Stoke looked determined.

FormerUnited striker Diouf picked the ball up in his own half, beat Kolarov and Kompany before squeezing a shot between the legs of City keeper Joe Hart.

Pellegrini sent on Jesus Navas and Edin Dzeko for Nasri and Stevan Jovetic,

Dzeko threatened on a couple of occasions soon after his arrival and Aguero worked an opening for himself with a shot that deflected onto the arm of Marc Wilson, although referee Lee Mason turned down the resulting penalty appeal.

City had a late shout for another penalty turned down when Pieters carelessly tangled with Toure but the ref again waved play on.

Photo: Action Images

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