Stoke vs Manchester City player ratings: Sergio Aguero leads the line and John Stones shows good signs early on

Player ratings and assessments as City overcome Stoke obstacle with ease

Manchester City maintained their 100 per cent record under Pep Guardiola with a comfortable 4-1 victory at Stoke City, where the main talking point of the day proved to be two controversial decisions from referee Mike Dean that has a significant impact on the scoring.

City went into the lead when Dean pointed at the penalty spot after Ryan Shawcross was adjudged to have grabbed Nicolas Otamendi by the shirt in an effort to stop him having a headed shot at goal.

Sergio Aguero successfully dispatched the penalty effort, putting behind him the memories of missing two spot kicks in the midweek Champions League victory over Steaua Bucharest, and he soon doubled the lead to put City clear.

However, soon after the break, Stoke were back in the game courtesy of Dean. The referee penalised Raheem Sterling for exactly the same indiscretion against Shawcross, and Bojan stepped up to convert the penalty.

City refused to wobble though, and substitute Nolito came on to score twice in his first goals for the club since securing a summer move from Celta Vigo and secure the victory.

So who impressed the most as Guardiola’s touch begins to shine through his players? Click on the gallery above to find out.