Mark Hughes hailed Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne as the best player in the Premier League but insisted he still had no regrets pitching in 18-year-old defender Thomas Edwards for a torrid debut at The Etihad Stadium.
Stoke's teenage right-back had an eventful afternoon. After being tormented by Leroy Sane as Manchester City raced into a 3-0 lead, he recovered to set up Stoke's second goal but was then carried off with an ankle injury.
Hughes refused to lambast the youngster or any of his team-mates after a 7-2 hammering.
'We have come up against a sensational team and been found wanting,' he admitted.