Wantaway Wolves defender Berra placed on transfer list
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UPDATED:
22:00 GMT, 3 August 2012
Wolves defender Christophe Berra has asked to leave the club.
Manager Stale Solbakken says the 27-year-old has been placed on the transfer list.
Transfer listed: Christophe Berra (left)
Wolves remain keen on Manchester City defender Stefan Savic on loan.
Manchester City ready to launch 20m move for Roma midfielder De Rossi
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UPDATED:
22:02 GMT, 3 August 2012
Manchester City are poised to firm up interest in Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi with a 20million offer.
The Italy star, 29, has been on Roberto Mancini's wishlist for 18 months and only signed a five-year contract in February.
Target: Daniele De Rossi
Sunderland remain hopeful of signing City striker John Guidetti for a loan fee of 1.5m.
Wolves defender Christophe Berra has asked to leave the club.
Manager Stale Solbakken says the 27-year-old has been placed on the transfer list.
Wolves remain keen on Manchester City defender Stefan Savic on loan.
Wolves consider bold loan move for Man City flop Savic… but have to have a clear out first
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UPDATED:
12:53 GMT, 28 June 2012
Wolves are considering an ambitious loan bid for Manchester City flop Stefan Savic.
The 21-year-old Montengro centre-back has not impressed when given the chance to play but Stale Solbakken believes he will strengthen Wolves' defence.
The Midlands club could loan the defender if City boost their own backline with a new signing.
Move: Stefan Savic is a target for Wolves
He made 20 appearances for the Barclays Premier League champions last season and has been capped seven times by his country.
Wolves, however, must shift on several of their current playing staff before Solbakken can buy.
There are close to 50 professionals on the books at Molineux, including recent signings Frank Nouble and Jamie Tank, as well as the potential capture of Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson.
Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis are two key Wolves players who could be heading for the exit as they want to keep playing in the Barclays Premier League.
PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Stoke v Manchester City – the action from the Britannia Stadium as it happens
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UPDATED:
18:03 GMT, 24 March 2012
Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League as Stoke host Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium to conclude Saturday's action. Roberto Mancini's side go into the evening kick-off knowing a win would take them back to the top of the table having played a game more than rivals Manchester United. Email me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on twitter @Ripinho.
Stoke 0-0 Manchester City (5.30pm)
Click here for the live goals as they go in
Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross,
Huth, Wilson, Jerome, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Crouch.
Subs: Sorensen, Jones, Pennant, Upson, Delap, Shotton, Palacios.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards,
Toure, Clichy, Toure Yaya, Barry, Silva, Balotelli, Nasri, Dzeko.
Subs:
Pantilimon, Milner, Johnson, Kolarov, Savic, Tevez, De Jong.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
Click here for the live Premier League table
32min: From OptaJoe:
4 – Four Stoke City players (Huth, Wilkinson, Shawcross & Jerome) are yet to make a pass after 25 minutes of this game. Missing.
30min: And here is another as Ryan Shawcross is all over Mario Balotelli to concede a free-kick on the left flank.
Nasri's delivery this time is comfortably taken by Begovic.
28min: We are still waiting for a clear-cut chance. Too many small fouls are breaking up this game.
25min: Naughty from Dean Whitehead. While his attempt to win a header against David Silva looks innocent enough, he knows the rules and by leading with the elbow the Spaniard is clattered and needs treatment for a cut to the head.
I've seen Jermain Defoe sent off for a similar challenge.
22min: The Manchester City keeper gets his wish as the floodlights come on.
21min: Not too much happening, to the point where the highlight has been the lack of light.
Joe Hart has complained to the fourth official about the lack of visibility after the sun's glow left the pitch.
18min: Some tough challenges have restricted the tempo of this game as Glenn Whelan is treated with the magic sponge following a challenge on the ankle from Gareth Barry.
15min: Good response from the visitors. After some pressure around the box, David Silva fires an effort from 25 yards that takes a deflection before going out for a corner.
13min: Excellent from Stoke. Marc Wilson is straight to the point with his long ball into the box, and after Peter Crouch wins the knock on, Cameron Jerome just can't connect with a scissors kick as the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
10min: Stoke go straight up the other end and deliver a cross themselves but Joe Hart is alert to take Jonathan Walters' delivery.
9min: Good build up play from City who are looking sharp with one-touch passing but still failing to create much.
Gael Clichy's low cross easily gobbled up by Asmir Begovic.
6min: Not much since then though as both teams struggle to make any real use with the ball.
3min: That's a decent delivery from Samir Nasri, who lofts a free-kick to the back post.
Edin Dzeko attempts to get his head on it but he is just too short and that is saying something.
In a twist: Manchester City's David Silva (left) challenges Stoke's Robert Huth
Kick-off: Stoke get us underway.
17.28: Out come the players in a repeat of last season's FA Cup final – except there will be no 'Abide With Me' before the game this evening.
17.25: It's a lovely sunny evening at Stoke but you can bet the home fans will maintain their high partisan support to make this as difficult as possible for City.
The team though I am not no sure. They have very little to play for now but today will be a good indication to see if they 'are on the beach' yet.
17.22: I do love Roberto Mancini during a pre/post match interview.
When asked by ESPN what Aguero's injury is exactly, the Italian's response is simply: 'we don't know but he is injured.'
Poker face stuff from the Manchester City boss.
17.19: From InfostradaLive:
The last time Manchester City completed the double over Stoke City was 13 years ago, when both played in the third tier of English football
Down and out: Sergio Aguero (left) is ruled out for Manchester City
17.16: Sergio Aguero is ruled out as Manchester City look to reclaim top spot in the Barclays Premier League at Stoke tonight.
City's top scorer is missing at the Britannia Stadium after suffering a foot injury, his place up front going to Edin Dzeko. Gareth Barry returns for Nigel de Jong while Carlos Tevez is again among the substitutes.
Stoke reshape their midfield as Glenn Whelan, Matthew Etherington and Dean Whitehead replaced Salif Diao, Wilson Palacios and Jermaine Pennant.
17.13: From the Britannia Stadium:
Stoke v Man City
Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Jerome, Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Walters, Crouch. Subs: Sorensen, Jones, Pennant, Upson, Delap, Shotton, Palacios.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Toure, Clichy, Toure Yaya, Barry, Silva, Balotelli, Nasri, Dzeko. Subs: Pantilimon, Milner, Johnson, Kolarov, Savic, Tevez, De Jong.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
17.10: 'Desperate' is how Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson described local and title rivals Manchester City this week.
While selecting a player who is under contract doesn't quite smack of desperation to me, we have seen many a Premier League team and manager crumble under the veteran United Boss's clever choice of words during a run in for the title – just ask Kevin Keegan and Rafael Benitez.
With a testing trip to Stoke in line for City, let's see how Roberto Mancini and co react to the start of the 'war of the words.' Team news on the way.
Here we go: David Silva and Manchester City target a return to the top of the Premier League
Manchester City 3 Sporting Lisbon 2 (agg 3-3): Mancini's men out despite comeback
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UPDATED:
22:02 GMT, 15 March 2012
Manchester City crashed out of the Europa League on the away goals rule despite an heroic second-half comeback after falling two goals behind before the break.
Sporting opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick from Matias Fernandez. The Portuguese outfit soon doubled their lead, with Ricky van Wolfswinkel netting from close-range before the break.
With City facing an embarrassing exit, Roberto Mancini's team-talk worked wonders. His side pulled back into contention through Sergio Aguero, and Mario Balotelli restored parity on the night with a cool penalty.
Aguero hit his second of the game with eight minutes remaining to set up a barnstorming finish, but Sporting held firm to claim their place in the last eight.
More follows…
Game on: Sergio Aguero celebrates his second
MATCH FACTS
Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Savic, Kolarov, Pizarro (Dzeko 55), Toure Yaya, Johnson (De Jong 46), Silva (Nasri 66), Balotelli, Aguero. Subs not used: Pantilimon, Milner, Clichy, Roman.
Booked: Yaya Toure, Kolarov, Savic.
Scorers: Aguero 60, 82, Balotelli pen 75.
Sporting: Rui Patricio, Daniel Carrico, Xandao, Anderson Polga, Insua, Bruno Pereirinha, Fernandez (Neto 63), Schaars, Diego Capel (Jeffren 63), Izmailov, Van Wolfswinkel. Subs not used: Marcelo, Evaldo, Carrillo, Andre Santos, Rubio.
Booked: Fernandez, Daniel Carrico.
Scorers: Fernandez 30, Van Wolfswinkel 40.
Referee: Tom Harald Hagen (Norway).
Keeping the dream alive: Sergio Aguero beats Rui Patricio after receiving Yaya Toure's pass
Cool customer: Mario Balotelli converts from 12 yards to level matters on the night
No chance: Joe Hart stretches in vain as Matias Fernandez's free-kick rasps into the net
Happy chappy: Fernandez shows his delight after his stunning free-kick
Sealing the deal: Ricky van Wolfswinkel taps home from close range to put Sporting 2-0 up on the night
Is that the way out Roberto Mancini witnessed his side's meek surrender in Europe
Fervent fans: Sporting supporters get behind their team after setting off flares at the Etihad
Swansea 1 Manchester City 0: Moore's goal swings title race into United's favour as Swans triumph
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UPDATED:
15:54 GMT, 11 March 2012
Swansea turned the title race on its head by beating Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium as Manchester United beat West Brom to go top.
Luke Moore scored the only goal of the game as City failed to hold onto top spot.
Swansea's Scott Sinclair had a penalty saved by Joe Hart in the first half.
More to follow…
Battle: Manchester City's Mario Balotelli contests for the ball with Swansea's Ashley Williams
MATCH FACTS:
Swansea: Vorm, Rangel, Williams, Caulker, Taylor, Allen, Britton, Sinclair, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Graham.
Subs: Tremmel, Tate, Monk, McEachran, Lita, Moore, Gower.
Goal: Moore 83
Man City: Hart, Richards, Savic, Toure, Clichy, Barry, De Jong, Nasri, Toure Yaya, Silva, Balotelli.
Subs: Pantilimon, Milner, Pizarro, Dzeko, Johnson, Kolarov, Aguero.
Referee: Lee Mason
More to follow…
CARLING CUP LIVE: Liverpool v Manchester City – follow the action from Anfield as it happens
Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Carling Cup as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in the second leg of their semi-final. The Reds hold a 1-0 lead after securing victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium as they look to book their first trip to Wembley since 1996. Email me your thoughts on the game at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City (7.45pm)
Aggregate: 1-0
Click here for the live goals as they go in
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel,
Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Gerrard, Bellamy, Kuyt.
Subs: Doni, Carroll, Maxi, Coates, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly.
Man City: Hart, Richards, Savic,
Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, Zabaleta, Silva, Nasri, Dzeko.
Subs:
Pantilimon, Milner, Johnson, Aguero, Hargreaves, Clichy, Rekik.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
11min: That's a decent effort from Charlie Adam and I've seen him score from there on a few occasions. The Scot brings the ball inside from the left before firing low towards Hart from 25 yards. The City keeper though is fully behind to comfortably claim.
9min: City try to respond by regaining possession but Samir Nasri's speculative effort from 25 yards flies over the bar. Cue ironic cheers from the home fans.
7min: Meanwhile Steven Gerrard has been booked for a late foul on Gareth Barry in the centre of the park, as Hart makes easy meat of Glen Johnson's low shot from outside the box.
5min: What a way to save your side. Aleksandar Kolarov's clearance form a Stewart Downing cross falls straight for Jose Enrique six yards out, but his low shot is superbly blocked by Joe Hart. He isn't England's No. 1 for no reason.
3min: It's a battle on the pitch and in the stands so far. City seeing plenty of early possession and fans from both sides are attempting to out-sing each other.
Kick-off: Manchester City get us going, kicking towards the Kop.
19.44: From OptaJoe:
24 – Liverpool have only lost one of their last 24 home games in all competitions, winning 13 and drawing 10. Kop.
19.41: Out come the players then. Terrific atmosphere at Anfield – flags and all sorts. It's (almost) like a European night.
19.38: In fact, former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes winning this competition can spring further success for the Reds.
I don't quite buy into that, but then he has won the Champions League and I haven't (yet).
19.35: Looking at Anfield, it's good to see fans pouring into the ground for this game. Who said the Carling Cup was dead
19.31: Some predictions from me (about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike, you understand):
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City (2-1 agg)
Sitting on the fence maybe, but I think this is going to be an entertaining affair.
Cardiff v Palace last night proved you don't always need goals to keep everyone awake inside the ground.
19.29: But from a City perspective, they will be aiming to reach the final of this competition for the first time since 1976.
Various pundits have them down as playing five or four at the back this evening, but either way it does seem to be a cautious line-up.
Roberto Mancini's tactical acumen has grown on me the last couple of years though so I'm sure he has something up his sleeve.
19.27: From OptaJoe:
4 – Despite winning the competition in four successive seasons as a player, Kenny Dalglish has never won the League Cup as a manager. Task
19.24: I still can't believe Liverpool haven't been to Wembley since 1996 (granted they went to Cardiff more than their fair share of times).
But just where have those 15 years gone Carling Cup or not, Reds fans must be dreaming of a return to the famous old stadium.
19.21: Any excuse to give those white suits another showing. Click here to read Dominic King's piece on why Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is up for the cup.
Trusted: Edin Dzeko leads Manchester City's attack at Liverpool
19.18: Striker Andy Carroll drops to the bench as manager Kenny Dalglish makes minimal changes to his Liverpool side to face Manchester City at Anfield in their Carling Cup semi-final second leg.
After Dalglish criticised the team after the weekend's 3-1 defeat at Bolton, the 35million record signing and Maxi Rodriguez are the only players to lose their place, with Stewart Downing and Dirk Kuyt replacing them.
Surprisingly, with striker Mario Balotelli having accepted his four-match suspension for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker at the weekend, City boss Roberto Mancini drops Sergio Aguero.
The three changes from Sunday's win over Spurs see Pablo Zabaleta, Nigel de Jong and Aleksandar Kolarov come in for Gael Clichy, James Milner and Aguero in a cautious-looking line-up as City look to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
19.13: And here are the full squads from Anfield:
Liverpool v Man City
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Adam, Downing, Gerrard, Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs: Doni, Carroll, Maxi, Coates, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly.
Man City: Hart, Richards, Savic, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, Zabaleta, Silva, Nasri, Dzeko. Subs: Pantilimon, Milner, Johnson, Aguero, Hargreaves, Clichy, Rekik.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
19.08: Manchester City starting XI:
Hart, Richards, Savic, Lescott, Zabaleta, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Kolarov, Nasri, Dzeko.
19.05: Liverpool starting XI:
Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Downing, Kuyt, Adam, Henderson, Gerrard, Bellamy.
19.00: Apparently the best is saved until last, and on paper at least, that looks to be the case as Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester City collide in the second Carling Cup semi-final this week.
In truth though I will be mighty impressed if these two can serve up the same sort of action seen between Cardiff and Crystal Palace last night. But given the talent that could be on display this evening I'm backing another epic game here. Team news on the way.
Red alert: Liverpool hold the advantage after winning the first leg 1-0 at Manchester City
Manchester City 3 Tottenham 2: Balotelli makes Spurs pay penalty as striker settles thriller at the death
Mario Balotelli's injury-time penalty saw Manchester City edge a five-goal thriller with Tottenham.
But there could be a nasty sting in the tail for the Italian after he seemed to catch Scott Parker in the face with a needless kick.
Not that any disciplinary problems will bother City's supporters as they celebrated what could be a priceless victory in the title race.
Winner: Mario Balotelli fires home a late penalty to earn Manchester City all three points against Tottenham
MATCH FACTS
Man City: Hart, Richards, Savic, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, Milner, Silva, Aguero, Nasri, Dzeko (Balotelli, 65)
Subs not used: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Johnson, Kolarov, Onuoha, De Jong
Goals: Nasri 56, Lescott 59, Balotelli 90+5 (pen)
Booked: Clichy, Balotelli, Parker
Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon (Pienaar, 88), Parker, Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart (Livermore 67), Defoe.
Subs not used: Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Bassong, Dawson, Kranjcar.
Goals: Defoe 60, Bale 65
Booked: Parker
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
After a goalless first half, the Blues were in control when Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott struck.
But Jermain Defoe profited from Stefan Savic's mistake almost immediately before Gareth Bale levelled with a magnificent curling shot.
Spurs seemed more likely winners after that.
But when Defoe could only turn an injury-time Bale cross narrowly wide as he slid in at the far-post, it gave Balotelli a chance to win the match after he had been fouled by Ledley King.
It maintained City's 100 per cent home record this season and piles the pressure on their rivals, who are all playing catch-up.
Knowing they would be eight points behind if they lost and with personal knowledge of the havoc City are capable of causing following that humiliating 5-1 defeat in August, Tottenham had good cause to make it a tight affair.
Bale threatened on a couple of occasions, and should have made more of the position he found himself in when he checked inside James Milner's sliding tackle.
Fan-tastic: Manchester City supporters celebrated Samir Nasri's goal with the Poznan
But Tottenham did not force Joe Hart into a meaningful save in the opening 45 minutes, Scott Parker and Younes Kaboul both firing well wide with long-range efforts.
It took City some time to get going, and even then they were only a sporadic threat.
However, in Sergio Aguero they had the game's most obvious first goalscorer.
Net gain: Defender Joleon Lescott bundled the ball over the line for City's second goal
The club record 38million front-man has looked tired in recent games as he attempted to shoulder the goalscoring burden. Here though, he excelled.
Having had Edin Dzeko nick the ball off his foot when he was lining up a shot at Wigan on Monday, the South American must have been dismayed when the same team-mate got in the way of his efforts to turn home David Silva's cutback.
Aguero's best opportunity came not long afterwards.
Pick that out: Gareth Bale curled home a beauty to haul Spurs back on level terms
In attempting to pass their way out of a tight spot by the touchline, Spurs only ended up getting themselves into trouble as Micah Richards thundered into Parker to seize possession.
Richards strode on into the box, then squared for Aguero, whose shot was superbly turned away by Friedel.
Of the millions of pounds splashed out last summer – and with more set to follow in the last nine days of this transfer window – the signing of a 40-year-old American may turn out to be the most astute.
Right back in it: Jermain Defoe beats Joe Hart to score in an explosive second half
Silva also fired across the face of Friedel's goal – but it was in the second half that the action started in earnest.
In truth, though it ended with a spectacular equaliser from Bale, City boss Roberto Mancini would have been disappointed with the four-goal burst in the space of 10 minutes because it saw his side toss away a winning position.
Not enough: Tottenham celebrate hauling themselves back into the game against City
City took the lead thanks to Silva's brilliant through-ball, which coincided perfectly with Nasri's dash from the left touchline that went completely unchecked even though it took him through the heart of the visitors' defence. The former Arsenal man has his critics but the shot which beat Friedel was blistering and gave the American no chance.
Flashpoint: Balotelli appears to stamp on Scott Parker in the second half before City went on to win
On their next attack, City doubled their advantage as Lescott first stood on Nasri's corner, then, from barely a yard, somehow sent the ball trundling over the line as he fell.
It should have been all over.
That it wasn't was due to Savic's bizarre attempt to reach Hart with a 50-yard back header that succeeded only in letting in Defoe, who rounded Hart, then turned the ball into an empty net.
Plenty to ponder: Spurs boss Harry Redknapp watched his side's title challenge falter
Bale's blockbuster came five minutes
later, one of those goals a keeper can only shrug their shoulders at
being beaten by, the Welshman's brilliant first-time curling effort from
Aaron Lennon's square pass finding the roof of Hart's net.
The goal frenzy triggered the arrival
of Balotelli, who had already been shown the yellow card when he
tangled with Parker, the initial contact accidental, the second far less
easy to excuse.
That he should remain on the pitch
was a matter for Spurs to reflect on as the Italian coolly converted his
penalty to delight the City fans.
Happy days: City celebrate Balotelli's late winner as they maintain their 100 per cent home record
Sporting ready to offer Savic a way out of Manchester City
Sporting Lisbon want to sign Manchester City defender Stefan Savic.
The Montenegrin, also targeted by Roma, has grown frustrated at his lack of playing time at City followinghis summer transfer and wants a temporary move.
Frustrated: Stefan Savic
Sporting wanted Savic, 20, before City stepped in with a 6m bid but believe they will struggle to sign him outright now.
Roberto Mancini is considering bringing in more experienced cover at centre back with Kolo Toure due to join Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations and unsure about his long-term future.
Savic”s agent Zoran Stojadinovic said: “He is on his way out of City in January and will leave on loan.”
Brazilian club Cruzeiro want City striker Roque Santa Cruz on a permanent deal and plan to use striker Leo Bonatini, 17, as a makeweight.
Santa Cruz, 30, is on loan at Real Betis but Cruzeiro sporting director Dimas Fonseca said: “A delegate has made contact about a transfer.”
Manchester City 3 Stoke 0: Blues in cruise control as Aguero shoots down Potters
Sergio Aguero turned in another scintillating performance with two goals against Stoke to send Manchester City top of the table on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929.
With one-time hero Carlos Tevez due to be at the centre of talks between City officials and their AC Milan counterparts on Thursday, the man who stepped into his shoes as the most popular South American at the club took centre stage.
Signed for a club record 38million from Atletico Madrid in the summer, unlike Tevez, who remains back in Argentina and has been nothing but trouble for the past 12 months, Aguero has not been a moment”s bother.
Thumbs up: Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring his, and Manchester City”s first goal against Stoke
MATCH FACTS
Man City: Hart, Richards (Savic 59), Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry (Milner 83), Toure Yaya, Johnson, Silva (Balotelli 68), Nasri, Aguero.
Subs not used: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Toure, De Jong.
Goals: Aguero 29,54 Johnson 36
Booked: Richards
Stoke: Sorensen, Huth, Woodgate (Diao 80), Upson, Wilson, Walters, Palacios, Whitehead, Shotton, Jones (Pennant 74), Jerome (Fuller 68).
Subs not used: Begovic, Delap, Etherington, Arismendi.
Booked: Fuller
Referee: Mike Dean
Att: 46,321
Click for the latest Premier League table, fixtures and results
At least, he has not been a problem to City. Opposition defences may choose to disagree.
Beaten by tonight”s opponents in last season”s FA Cup final, Stoke were the latest to feel the force of Aguero”s power, the striker bagging a goal either side of the interval to take his seasonal tally to 15.
Adam Johnson enjoyed himself too, completing his first full 90 minutes in the Premier League since the middle of October and marking the occasion with a powerful first-half strike.
Although Kolo Toure suggested earlier in the week that City had a secret plan for facing Stoke, it was the visitors who had the weapon.
It was largely defensive though, with Pulis utilising four burly defenders, including Jonathan Woodgate at full-back, with another solid bank of four in front of them.
For a time it worked as City struggled to fashion a clear-cut opening.
Johnson did hit a thunderous effort against the bar but only thanks to a pretty hefty deflection off Marc Wilson.
It was a limited plan though, belying the fine run of form Stoke have suddenly found themselves in after a period in the doldrums.
Opening salvo: Aguero fires home the rebound to put City in front against Stoke at the Etihad Stadium
And they were made to pay just before the half hour after Samir Nasri and David Silva worked a short corner routine that allowed the Spain star to race forward unopposed after his team-mate”s dummy run had fooled two defenders.
Silva exploited the opportunity by slipping a pass through to Yaya Toure, who in turn squared into the six-yard area.
Thomas Sorensen was equal to Vincent Kompany”s close-range effort but the Dane could only push the ball into the path of Aguero, who bundled home from barely a yard.
Pull the trigger: Midfielder Adam Johnson lets fly from distance to double City”s lead against Stoke
On the touchline, Tony Pulis was livid, believing the officials had missed an offside somewhere in the melee.
There did not seem to be a direct involvement of play at any stage though, and Pulis” ire was probably more to do with the knowledge that, once behind, Stoke were going to find it very difficult to fashion an equaliser.
Difficult became virtually impossible 10 minutes before the break when slack control from Jon Waters, who failed to kill Dean Whitehead”s pass out of defence, allowing it to run onto Johnson.
The England winger did not require a second invitation, smashing a brutal effort through a packed penalty area, Sorensen partially unsighted as it flashed into the corner.
No 1: Johnson celebrates his goal with his City team-mates as they cruise towards victory
Johnson came close to bagging another just before the break when Sorensen unconvincingly shovelled his curling free-kick round the post.
The former Middlesbrough man was having a productive evening, although he was matched in that by Aguero, who after forcing Sorensen into another save, bagged his second.
It was a goal clinical in its efficiency as Gareth Barry slipped a pass out to Nasri, whose low cross from the right split the Stoke defenders and allowed Aguero to finish at the far post.
Aguero was 90 seconds too late to claim the Premier League”s 20,000th goal but he nearly completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, when he was sent through by Toure, but only succeeded in flicking his shot wide of the far post.
Three and easy: Aguero makes sure of the points as he scores City”s final goal against Stoke
Blues manager Roberto Mancini took the opportunity to rotate his players, including replacing Silva with Mario Balotelli.
Although the game was winding down, Balotelli is not one for staying out of the way for long and was not happy when referee Mike Dean turned down his penalty appeal when Robert Huth used an arm to block a shot.
It was all pantomime stuff though, unlike City”s title challenge, which is very real indeed.