Toure double propels slick City to victory at West Brom

By Tom Hayward

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 on Monday night.

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a one-on-one chance and was generally overshadowed by his dazzling team-mates Toure and David Silva before he was withdrawn in the second half.

City host champions Chelsea in their next match while West Brom visit promoted Watford.

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