Yaya Toure Shows Glimpse of His Old Self as Manchester City Topple Aston Villa
VILLA PARK, England — During the early stages of Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, the ball broke free in the home side’s half and fell to the feet of Yaya Toure. With a potential break on, the man known for his surging runs would have been expected to charge forward, directly at the Villa defence.
Instead, he passed the ball sideways, and any potential momentum City had was lost.
It was a moment indicative of Toure’s season up until that point. A man who, throughout his time at City, has made the impossible seem straightforward appeared to be struggling with the basics in the opening 45 minutes. You could sense headline writers across the land sharpening the knives for another assault on the Ivorian.
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He improved after the break, though. With just eight minutes remaining as City headed toward another frustrating afternoon in the Midlands, he scored an outrageous goal, a curling left-footed shot from distance that went beyond Brad Guzan and into the Villa net.
It was his first goal of the season, a flash of brilliance that reminded those who had forgotten that he’s capable of genius.
His goal doesn't necessarily mark a return to his old self. He managed 20 league goals last season and regularly dominated sides with his unique mix of pace, power, the ability to run with the ball and remarkable finishing prowess. He's looked inhibited so far this campaign, but that goal may just prove to be a turning point.
Sergio Aguero added another with two minutes remaining, a rasping strike that gave Guzan no chance. With that, City, who have yet to really hit top gear this season, moved to within two points of Chelsea, who play Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
A clean sheet—their first against top-flight opposition since the opening-weekend win over Newcastle—undoubtedly delighted Manuel Pellegrini, as did the performance of David Silva, who orchestrated all of City’s attacks in the second half with a combination of skill and intelligence.
The Spaniard is fast becoming known as the greatest player to wear the City blue, and anyone who wants to know why just needs to see his display following half-time against Villa. Popping up between the lines, he linked City’s play effortlessly, his vision and technique marking him out as the best player on the pitch.
He looked disappointed to be substituted late on, but by then his work was done. Pellegrini, mindful of Silva's importance, probably wanted to wrap him in cotton wool ahead of tougher tests that lie in wait. He, perhaps more than anyone, determines how well City attack.
James Milner’s industry was once again a vital part of City's win, with his status in the squad improving with each match. Meanwhile, Fernando, returning from a groin injury that kept him out of action since the defeat to Stoke, looks to be the club’s best summer signing.
He brings added steel to City’s midfield, the kind of protection any defence in the world would want in front of them. During City’s recent run of difficult fixtures, he has been badly missed, and Pellegrini will be hoping he can now stay fit as his side attempt to overtake Chelsea in the Premier League and kick-start their ailing European campaign.
It's no exaggeration to say his introduction changed the game for City.
Afterward, Pellegrini told reporters he felt it was City’s best showing this season.
"I think that we deserve to win the game," he said. "We had a lot of chances to score, and, reviewing the whole game, I think that we played our best game of the season in all senses—possession, in chances to score, in the way we defend, with the intensity we recover the ball and the way we work."
The Chilean also praised Toure, a player he feels is one of the best in the league.
"Yaya is one of the best midfielders, without any doubt," Pellegrini said. "Maybe like every player, he can have better games or not-so-good games, but he’s a very important midfielder, and I never have any doubts about his performance.
"Of course it’s very important for him to score his first goal, but Yaya is an experienced player. He can be criticised, but I know perfectly the way he thinks and the way he can play, so I never had a problem about that, but it’s always important for him to score."
The one sour note for City was an injury to Fernandinho, which forced him off during the second half. "We will see tomorrow with the doctor, but he has a problem with his hamstring," Pellegrini said.
City have now lost just one league game on the road in their last 16, and, much like Toure, they showed flashes of their best form. The pressure has now been firmly placed on Chelsea as they entertain Arsenal tomorrow.
Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.
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