Toure launches City’s EPL campaign with a double
Ivorian scores two first-half goals as Manchester City comfortably beat West Brom in the English Premier League.
Yaya Toure’s first-half double provided a timely reminder of his enduring class as Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a slick 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion.
The Ivorian, linked with a move away from the Etihad in the close season after some inconsistent displays, gave the former champions a ninth-minute lead following a fortuitous double deflection and added a sublime second with a wonderful curling finish after 24 minutes.
West Brom improved significantly after the break but were powerless to prevent City extending their lead through captain Vincent Kompany’s thunderous 59th-minute header.
City handed a league debut to Raheem Sterling but the England winger spurned a one-on-one chance and was generally overshadowed by his dazzling team mates Toure and David Silva before he was withdrawn in the second half.
“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 defending champions Chelsea in their next match while West Brom visit promoted Watford.
Opening weekend results:
West Brom 0-3 Manchester City
Arsenal 0-2 West Ham
Newcastle 2-2 Southampton
Stoke City 0-1 Liverpool
Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa
Chelsea 2-2 Swansea
Everton 2-2 Watford
Leicester 4-2 Sunderland
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
Norwich City 1-3 Crystal Palace