City moved back to within three points of the Barclays Premier League summit with a narrow win over Stoke City. City Looked unconvincing but managed to broke the deadlock when Yaya Toure swept in a low Aleksandar Kolarov cross. The Ivory Coast international's goal came moments after manager had replaced injured substitute Stevan Jovetic with Javi Garcia, and pushed Toure further up the pitch.

After a quiet start City created their first chance when Fernandinho fired in a swerving shot which Asmir Begovic was forced to tip over the crossbar. Stoke then went up the other end of the pitch and Adam flashed one wide of the far post after being teed up on the edge of the box by Jon Walters. Fernandinho went on to have several more chances but all to no avail. The closest City came before the break was when Dzeko gathered a David Silva pass, played a one-two with Alvaro Negredo and curled a 22-yard shot just wide.

In the second half City looked to get a foothold of the game and certainly had the lion's share of possesion. Manuel Pellegrini brought on Stevan Jovetic for Alvaro Negredo 10 minutes into the second half and the substitute went close to scoring on 66 minutes when he fired in a shot which Begovic fumbled, but was able to collect at the second attempt with no City player on hand to snap up the rebound.

Jovetic was then forced off after appearing to pick up a leg injury and he was replaced by Jesus Navas. Almost immediately, Toure arrived in the Stoke area and was on hand to finish a move that involved Samir Nasri and Kolarov in the build-up. really should have doubled their lead three minutes later when Navas picked out Dzeko unmarked in front of goal, but the Bosnian somehow fluffed his kick and the chance went begging.

Managers Post Match Comments

Pellegrini: "Stoke were defending with 10 players in their box. It was very important to be concentrated for counter-attacks and set pieces. Both things were important, to keep a clean sheet and to be patient.
"I thought we controlled the game and it was a matter of time before we scored.
"Stevan Jovetic felt his hamstring so we will see what the doctor says.
"We will see about Sergio Aguero. He will start working with the team on Tuesday. We will see during the team if he is fit to play in the Capital one Cup final."

Photo: Action Images

Manchester City Polls