Returning Vincent’s in good Kompany
MANCHESTER CITY captain Vincent Kompany was happy to give something back to the fans after scoring in their 3-0 win over Southampton.
It was Kompany’s first goal in 20 months, and further goals from Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero wrapped up a comfortable win to move Pep Guardiola’s side back to third in the Premier League.
The injury-plagued Kompany has made just seven appearances so far this season, and celebrated passionately in front of the travelling fans.
“For me it’s always a long journey back,” he said. “I would have liked to be injured less in my career but every single time I’ve put in the hard work.
“I don’t complain and just carry on. When this happens I feel like I’m giving something back to the fans and the team, and that’s what you see in those moments.”
He added: “If I had to work 15 years for one moment like this, I would do it not a problem.
“I’m really happy and I want to stay there.”
Meanwhile, Everton manager Ronald Koeman had no doubts about picking Ross Barkley after the midfielder’s week in the headlines.
The 23-year-old found himself at the centre of a media storm after first being allegedly punched on a night out and then becoming inadvertently embroiled in the row which saw The Sun newspaper banned from the club after derogatory comments about him by columnist Kelvin McKenzie.
He responded by striking Everton’s second goal, via deflections off two defenders, and celebrated by jumping into the Gwladys Street end as the Toffees beat Burnley 3-1.
Asked whether there was any doubt over his selection Koeman said: “No, I think it is the best way to play football. To forget what happened last week.
“If you learn from mistakes, that is good. Everyone is human.”
Phil Jagielka’s goal was cancelled out by Sam Vokes’ penalty before the Everton midfielder’s decisive strike was followed by Romelu Lukaku’s 24th Premier League goal.
Elsewhere, Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare insisted he was satisfied with a point despite watching his team squander a two-goal lead when they drew 2-2 at Crystal Palace.
He also dismissed suggestions they became distracted by the prospect of Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid.
Leicester appeared comfortable when Jamie Vardy’s second-half finish doubled the advantage built by Robert Huth’s early header.
Unconvincing defending then led to Yohan Cabaye scoring Palace’s first goal, before Christian Benteke headed the hosts level having leapt highest when heavily leaning on Yohan Benalouane.
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss David Moyes defended his record after sections of the club’s own fans turned on him during a 2-2 Premier League draw with West Ham.
The Black Cats twice came from behind to secure just a 21st point of the season which kept them at the foot of the table.