Man City’s Yaya Toure rejects ‘back to form’ claims

Toure, who went off with an apparent injury late on, was sometimes criticised for his performances last season but put in an impressive display, along with Silva, to inspire City to victory.

City made easy of their season-opening fixture on Monday night, brushing aside West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at the Hawthorns with Toure grabbing the first two goals.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini claims that the 32-year-old was distracted for much of last season, but the midfielder has been irked by suggestions that the previous year was a failure having finished the season empty-handed with City.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis said: “I told the players after the game I have to take responsibility for this one. Yaya, we know what he can give our team every game, so I am happy for both of them”.

“There’s also been a lot of criticism about me but it was not that bad a season”. It’s part of the game. I like attacking football and I like to see good players attack well.

Manchester City look will be desperate for a positive start to their 2015/16 Premier League campaign, the Citizens are coming off a busy yet inconsistent pre-season which saw their defence exploited more times than they would have liked. “I don’t worry what people are saying about me”. “The team did a massive job, we played very well against a hard side. Hopefully we will get it done”, the Welshman said. The Belgium defender celebrated by jumping up and down in front of the traveling City fans, showing just how badly he wants redemption after last season.

City host champions Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and the importance of the match is not lost on Toure. We are after quite a few targets and there will be players that leave the football club as well. “Tomorrow we focus on Chelsea“. “We have to keep going”, said the 32-year-old.

Toure added: “I hope this year is going to be fine for us”.

“We have watched him but he comes highly recommended by those two”. Well, three points and a place at the top of the fledgling league table for a start, but also a timely jab in the ribs for those who had bizarrely written off the club’s title chances before a ball had been kicked this season.

Whatever Pulis said at half-time roused West Brom, though, and there was immediately more objective to their game upon resumption. We will see how the referee will decide it. My second goal was a great goal.