There is never a dull moment in the Premier league and today’s game was simply a shocker. The defending champions Manchester City lost 1-0 to a resilient Stoke side, a magnificent solo goal by Mame Biram Diouf settled the tie in the 58th minute.
City’s first half-chance arrived after five minutes when Yaya Toure threatened to meet a header from Vincent Kompany, but the Ivorian could not make contact inside a crowded penalty box and danger was cleared.
City were next to come close after 12 minutes when Bacary Sagna found Samir Nasri inside the box, but the Frenchman’s effort was straight at Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
The away side had a big penalty shout after 20 minutes when Aleksander Kolarov appeared to fell Diouf inside the box, but referee Lee Mason was not interested despite obvious signs of contact.
Peter Crouch threatened for Stoke just past the 30-minute mark, but his effort from the edge of the box was straight into the arms of City keeper Joe Hart.
The home side continued to dominate possession late in the half, but were unable to make the breakthrough, with Toure striking the crossbar in stoppage time.
City had a series of half-chances in the early moments of the second period, but it was Stoke that took the lead just before the hour mark when Diouf raced the length of the field before finishing under Hart, who could not collect.
Stoke had another chance moments later, but Peter Odemwingie could not find the run of Diouf, who would have had a tap-in.
Edin Dzeko came close for City 20 minutes from time, but the forward could not keep his header down. Crouch did keep his header down for Stoke moments later, but his effort was straight at Hart.
City continued to force the issue in the latter stages – and had a couple of penalty appeals – but the champions could not make the breakthrough as Stoke held on for a shock win.
City are currently fourth in the League table.
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