A brace from striker Sergio Aguero inspired Manchester City to a 4-1 victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure was left out of the squad for the third successive match, meanwhile goalkeeper Joe Hart settled for a spot on the City bench.

After a cagey opening 20 minutes, City got on the front foot and were awarded a penalty when Ryan Shawcross fouled Nicolas Otamendi in the penalty area. Argentine striker Sergio Aguero stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake to put his side ahead to opening the scoring.

Pep Guardiola’s side then double their lead in the 35th minute when Aguero completed his brace after latching onto a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick.

City dominated proceeding in the first half, while Mark Huge’s men could only register one effort on target in the opening half.

However, Stoke were awarded a penalty of their own in the 49th minute and forward Bojan Krkic did well to calmly guide his spot-kick into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

In the 70th minute, both managers opted to bring on fresh legs, as Guardiola brought on Nolito for Jesus Navas, meanwhile, Huge’s decided to bring on John Walters in placed of Giannelli Imbula.

However, City extended their lead in the 85th minute as substitute Kelechi Iheanacho was guided wide of goal bu Stoke goalkeeper Shay Given but the young striker was able to pick out Nolito in the box, who slotted home his first Premier League goal from six-yards out.

The visitors then rounded off the scoring in the 95th minute of injury time when Raheem Sterling, who latched onto a through on goal, to set up Nolito for a simple tap in.

Manchester City went on to secure a 4-1 victory over Stoke City in Pep Guardiola’s first away victory in the Premier League.

Image: Premier League website