City give thanks to Yaya as he bows out
YAYA TOURE bade farewell to the Etihad Stadium as champions Manchester City set a hat-trick of Premier League records in a routine win over Brighton. Veteran midfielder Toure was made captain for his final home appearance and goals from Danilo, Bernardo Silva and Fernandinho, cancelling out a Leonardo Ulloa effort, ensured he finished on the winning side. Records tumbled as City took their goals tally for the campaign to 105, their points total to 97 and their number of wins to 31, eclipsing previous best marks set by Chelsea. Leroy Sane also shone, setting up all three goals, but the occasion belonged to Toure as the club celebrated the Ivorian’s outstanding service over the past eight years. Toure was recalled for his first Premier League start of the season and regular captain Vincent Kompany gave up the armband for the night. He played 85 minutes before leaving to a huge ovation, having been in the thick of the action throughout. Like the Toure of old, he frequently looked to drive City forward or pick up possession on the edge of the box. At the conclusion of the match, there was a special presentation to the Ivorian attended by his brother Kolo, with Kompany saying to him: ‘Thank you for being such a wonderful teammate. If there is ever going to be a legend at this club it is this man.’ Kompany listed all the important goals Toure had scored for City and the man himself was asked which was the most vital in his eight years at the club. ‘That goal against United,’ he smiled, in reference to his winner in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final. A huge banner was unfurled and passed round by the home supporters, which said simply: ‘Thanks Yaya’. He was presented with a shirt which had the number 316 on the back — the total amount of games he played for the club.