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| Yaya Toure . Image: Google |
Africa footballer of the year Yaya Toure’s was at his imperious best as Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
With title rivals Chelsea drawing and Arsenal losing at home, City had the perfect opportunity to make an early statement, and they did it in style.
Toure, criticised for much of last season for some inconsistent displays, put City ahead after nine minutes following a fortuitous double deflection and added a sublime second with a wonderful curling finish after mid-way through the first-half.
West Brom improved significantly at the restart but were powerless to prevent City extending their lead through captain Vincent Kompany’s thunderous header on 59 minutes.
City coach Manuel Pellegrini handed a league debut to record signing Raheem Sterling but the England winger wasted a one-on-one chance and was generally eclipsed by his brilliant teammates as the former champions cruised to the top of the table.
“I think for us we have something to prove as last season was below what we are used to,” Kompany told Sky Sports. “This is a team with a lot of intent.
“For us it was a good way to start our first game. We came out here today knowing we had a point to prove. As a team we all have to improve this season.”
City host champions Chelsea in their next match while West Brom are away at promoted Watford.
Source: Reuters
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