Neither Richard Dunne nor Sun Jihai were available for selection due to minor injuries and Ben Thatcher was suspended.

BBC: Danny Mills in action for Manchester City

And Leadbitter dragged a tame shot wide after Sun Jihai, who had a torrid evening, slipped on halfway to gift the breaking Stokes the ball.

BBC: Man City 1-0 Sunderland

City enjoyed more possession in the opening 90 minutes without causing the Doncaster defence too many alarms, save for a Sun Jihai shot in stoppage time which hit the bar.

BBC: SPORT | Football | League Cup | Doncaster 1-1 Man City (aet)