City cruise to go third

Kelechi Iheanacho struck twice as Manchester City moved up to third after condemning Stoke to their second 4-0 defeat in a week.

Fernando opened the scoring at the Etihad Stadium – somewhat against the run of play – after 35 minutes, before Sergio Aguero converted from the penalty spot eight minutes later to double the hosts’ advantage.

After winning the penalty in the first half, the impressive Iheanacho got in on the act himself after the interval, making sure of the victory with two expertly-taken goals on 64 and 74 minutes to seal a comfortable victory ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League date with Real Madrid.

The result sees City leapfrog Arsenal into third – until the Gunners play on Sunday at least – and open up a five-point gap over bitter rivals Manchester United in fifth, while Stoke remain ninth after another disappointing display.

The beginning of the game lacked any real intensity, with City struggling to find their rhythm in front of their subdued fans.

Stoke carved out a few half-chances, with Joselu missing the best of them, heading wide when picked out well by a smart Mirko Arnautovic cross.

However, as soon as City took the lead on 35 minutes, they gained control. Jesus Navas did brilliantly to win the corner, delivered it …

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