Player ratings: Manchester City v Stoke City

Given – A vital save with the game goalless set the tone. Good to see him coming off his line for crosses. Shay now has another fan in Mancini who called him “the best”. 8

Zabaleta – Pablo has always looked like the kind of defender who would do well in Serie A, and he was at ease in this new-look defence. 7

Verdict: Manchester City 2 Stoke City 0

The Roberto Mancini regime got off to a winning start with two goals and, more significantly, the first clean sheet at home since August.