Manchester City made a strong start to their Premier League campaign, overpowering West Bromwich Albion to secure a 3-0 victory at The Hawthorns on Monday night.
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Meanwhile for Manchester City a debut is being waited upon as midfielder Raheem Sterling is set to play his first game for his new club after a long and drama-filled saga in his transfer from Liverpool.
Exchanging passes with Ivory Coast team-mate Wilfried Bony, Toure curled a sumptuous strike into the top corner of the net.
Baggies manager Tony Pulis brought on Claudio Yacob in the second half to reinforce the midfield, and it seemed to have some effect and Rickie Lambert pumped a free-kick just over on 55 minutes.
Captain Vincent Kompany scored City’s other goal and Pellegrini praised his team for their attacking efforts and, after calling on them to improve their defensive record this season, was happy to keep a clean sheet.
Manchester City started their campaign with an away win against West Brom who are waiting for a win against the Citizens from 2008.
City have demonstrated their title credentials after a dominant performance against their hosts.
They had threatened without testing Myhill but deservedly took the lead after nine minutes with a goal which happened nearly in slow motion.
This was good Manchester City; sublime City; formidable Premier League title contenders City.
Sterling, who caused the West Brom defence plenty of problems with his speed and movement, was then sent clear on goal in the 41st but could only sidefoot a tame effort too close to Myhill. Current action is in the first half. Copa America Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis and Fernandinho returned late from holidays and are still not fully match fit.
“I like attacking football. I think he’s going to be a very important player for us this season”. Of course, there’s only so much you can take from one round of matches but Manuel Pellegrini will be the most pleased of the managerial quartet.
“There are a lot of favoured teams now and we’re not part of it I’ve heard, so for us it was a good way to start our first game”.
TALKING POINT. Will we see the real Yaya Toure this season? I said to them afterwards I’d take responsibility.
The best league in the world is up and running with games being played across the UK over the weekend.
West Brom: Goalkeeper Ben Foster remains sidelined while former City defender Joleon Lescott is a doubtful starter along with Gareth McAuley. We had that great chance, if Saido scores, makes it 2-1, then we’re back in the game. “It is important to beat the champions of last year to give you more trust”.
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Asked if Berahino’s miss was the turning point, Pulis said: “No. The pivotal moment was when I decided to play the two up front and not the extra man in midfield”.
