Premier League: Mark Hughes disappointed with Stoke's second-half showing against Manchester City

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes expressed his disappointment at his side’s second-half display as they were beaten 4-1 at home by Manchester City.

The Potters more than matched the Premier League champions in the opening 45 minutes and went in level at the break as Peter Crouch’s header cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s opener.

But the visitors pulled away in the second half to secure their first league win since New Year's Day.

“It was all about the first half for us,” Hughes told Sky Sports. “The last nine or 10 games we have been excellent and were tonight for the first 45, but in the second half City took the game away us with a bit of extra quality and drive and invention.

“We caused them a lot of problems in the first half and for the most part were the team in the ascendancy.

“We didn’t do too well with their second goal and from then on we were chasing the game and that played into City’s hands to a certain extent.

"They were able to bide their time and unfortunately we made individual errors too which compounded the problem.”

Stoke could have had an early penalty when Crouch’s header from a corner appeared to hit James Milner’s arm.

“It was a clear penalty," said Hughes. "He moved his elbow and then his arm came out, so there were two movements to stop the ball going in. The linesman should have seen that.

“You need those things to go for you when you are up against a quality side like City. It’s difficult chasing as the home side, you leave yourselves vulnerable.”