Manuel Pellegrini's men missed influential captain Vincent Kompany and were outplayed by the Welshman's charges, who could have won by even more.
Mark Hughes felt Stoke City could have embarrassed Premier League leader Manchester City after sealing a 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium.
"We never allowed Man City to have a foothold in the game. We were always positive, always on the front foot and releasing creative, exceptionally talented players ahead of the midfield three," Hughes said. "That was causing Man City problems all day long. We had any number of chances.