MANCHESTER, England -- Three quick thoughts from Manchester City's 0-0 Premier League draw with Stoke City on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.
1. Flat Manchester City spurn their chance
Just when everything seemed to be going swimmingly for Manchester City, their past provided an unexpected obstacle. Mark Hughes, the first manager of the Sheikh Mansour era, frustrated Pep Guardiola, the latest and, in terms of exploits elsewhere, the greatest. Stoke City held Manchester City and a run of four consecutive Premier League wins ended with a stalemate.
The chance to close the gap to leaders Chelsea to eight points was spurned.