David Silva scored twice as Manchester City restored their 16-point lead at the top of the table with victory at relegation-threatened Stoke.
The Spaniard slotted in Raheem Sterling’s cross to give the visitors an early lead before finishing off a slick passing move after the break.
Sterling later pounced on a loose touch following a controversial drop-ball but Badou Ndiaye recovered just in time.
Pep Guardiola’s side need just two more wins to be crowned league champions.
Sterling was heavily involved throughout the second half and almost danced his way to a goal of his own before being denied by a last-gasp tackle from Ndiaye.
Fernandinho and Leroy Sane both came close for Manchester City as they sought to extend their lead, while Stoke’s Bruno Martins Indi also fired over the bar from close range.
The hosts had moments of hope in the first half – Ndiaye’s scuffed effort bounced narrowly wide and Kyle Walker’s deflection forced a save from Ederson.
READ: Southampton sack Mauricio Pellegrino after one win in 17 games
But they remain in the relegation zone after failing to pick up a win in six matches and they remain one point adrift of safety.
Having thrashed Stoke 7-2 in October, this is the first time Manchester City have done the double over the Potters since the 1998-99 season, when both clubs were in the third tier.
No luck for Stoke in relegation fight
It was another disappointing evening for Stoke as they extended their run of games without a win to six – although most observers probably did not expect them to take any points from Guardiola’s runaway leaders.
Stoke struggled to make an impact against the visitors and were on the back foot from the off thanks to Silva’s early goal.
“Momentum is with us,” Lambert said after last week’s draw with Southampton but it was not in evidence here.
There were moments of hope – most notably Ndiaye’s effort in the first half after a sweet nutmeg from Xherdan Shaqiri – but it ultimately looked the David and Goliath contest that respective league positions suggested.
The Potters have eight games remaining to find the points they need and their upcoming fixtures are not favourable either. A trip to the Emirates to take on Arsenal looms and is followed by another tough game against Liverpool at Anfield next month.
Stoke also entertain Tottenham before ending the season against relegation rivals Crystal Palace and Swansea – two games which could prove pivotal to their survival in the top flight.
The Potters have picked up just one win in 2018 but, with the bottom half of the table changing on a weekly basis, one game could make all the difference.
