Pellegrini’s side cruised back into third place in the Premier League and nearer guaranteed qualification for next season’s Champions League with a dominant display at Eastlands on Saturday.
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Stoke conceded four goals for a third successive match and look set to finish a positive season on a low note.
Iheanacho’s energy was evident from the first few minutes, and after initially taking five or ten minutes to get into the game with a few dodgy passes, it was nice to watch the belief and confidence of the striker increase as the match went on.
City will come up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co on Tuesday in their first Champions League semi-final and Iheanacho is relishing the chance to play against Europe’s finest.
Iheanacho scored two intelligently-taken goals to put the game to bed.
“I think it was the ideal match”.
“I think that Kelechi is a player that will have an important role in this club in the coming years…”
“We really need to win here because at their home it’s not going to be an easy game so we need to show character and work hard and make sure we get a win”. Always the most important thing is the result and to score four goals and have a clean sheet is very important.
Making a rare start in the Premier League, the Super Eagle grabbed his chance with both hands, also winning the penalty that Sergio Aguero coolly converted for City’s second goal of the encounter.
It means the Ivorian is now a doubt for the visit of Real Madrid on Tuesday although it is possible Pellegrini never planned on starting him as he did not against Paris Saint-Germain.
Pellegrini made several changes to his side with Madrid in mind, resting Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne.
Among the quirks of the team selection it was interesting to see Yaya Toure play the full game. “I played for City and I know how hard it can be for opponents to play in their stadium”, Adebayor told AS.
“But I would feel very great, I would feel very happy”.
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: “We’ve sat down and talked about what we need to do better”.
Henry said that while City must respect Ronaldo – who remains under a slight injury cloud – they must also be aware of the threat and balance provided by Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
With three games remaining, Newcastle is a point from safety but 17th-place Norwich has a game in hand.
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Eden Hazard scored his first goals of the season with a pair while Pedro and Willian got the others.
