A Sergio Aguero brace has helped Manchester City continue their 100% home record in the Premier League this season.
The Argentine scored in either half as the league leaders eased past Stoke City to pick up their ninth home victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Adam Johnson, who was recalled to Roberto Mancini's starting XI, threatened after 15 minutes, rattling Thomas Sorensen's crossbar with a curling effort.
The hosts took the lead through Aguero in controversial circumstances. Yaya Toure delivered for Citizens captain Vincent Kompany who saw his header saved by Sorensen, only for the rebound to be poked home by Aguero.
Stoke felt the striker was in an offside position although replays suggest he may have just been level.
Johnson justified his recall on 36 minutes by lashing a shot home from long range.
Aguero netted his 13th league goal of the season to seal the points nine minutes after the break by tucking home Samir Nasri's low cross.
Mancini's men eased home for the rest of the second period with Stoke rarely threatening Joe Hart.
City, who retain their position atop the Premier League, next travel to West Brom on Boxing Day while Tony Pulis's Stoke host Aston Villa.
Pascal Lemesre
