Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
- Published
Yaya Toure's memorable comeback had everyone talking
Yaya Toure marked his shock return to the Manchester City team with two goals as his side grabbed a dramatic late win at Crystal Palace.
Toure, making his first Premier League appearance of the season, combined with Nolito before firing City ahead.
Palace's pressure paid off when Wilfried Zaha set up substitute Connor Wickham to smash home a second-half equaliser.
But Toure, who has not figured at all for City for almost three months, had the final word when he turned home Kevin de Bruyne's corner from close range.
The win moves City second in the table, level on points with leaders Liverpool and with an identical goal difference.
Palace, who suffered their fifth straight league defeat, remain one point above the relegation zone.
Toure back with a bang
Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City: Guardiola really pleased with nice guy Toure
Yaya Toure's team-mates surrounded him at the final whistle to show their appreciation for his efforts, while the travelling City fans had been singing his name virtually all afternoon.
The 33-year-old Ivorian has been out in the cold since the end of August, with his manager Pep Guardiola saying he would not be picked until his agent, Dimitri Seluk, apologised for comments he made when Toure was left out of City's Champions League squad.
Toure, rather than Seluk, issued a statement about the situation at the start of November., external
But that evidently satisfied Guardiola and Toure marked his return to favour in style.
Few people knew he had even travelled to Selhurst Park, so seeing his name on the team sheet at all was a huge surprise.
But Toure's lack of recent action did not affect his finishing power and, as so often before in his six years at City, he secured a vital victory for his side.
Man of the match - Yaya Toure
Only one candidate here. It appeared Yaya Toure had already played his final game for City - instead, he marked his 270th appearance with his 76th and 77th goals for the club that he has already helped win two Premier League titles.
Palace beaten again
Palace went into the game with the worst points-per-game record of any team in the top four divisions in 2016 - just 0.73. This defeat sees it drop further, to 0.71, and also means their current crisis continues.
Points per game in 2016 in England's top four divisions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Games | Wins | Points | PPG | |
88. MK Dons | 40 | 7 | 35 | 0.88 |
89. Aston Villa | 36 | 6 | 31 | 0.86 |
90. Dagenham & Redbridge | 22 | 5 | 18 | 0.82 |
91. York City | 23 | 4 | 18 | 0.78 |
92. Crystal Palace | 31 | 5 | 22 | 0.71 |
The Eagles caused City plenty of problems, notably with their pressing game and lightning-fast breaks down the wings.
But even when they were putting Pep Guardiola's side under pressure in the second half, Palace looked vulnerable and were ultimately punished for their lack of organisation at the back as they looked to see the game out.
Palace players angry about form - Pardew
Palace are full of ideas when they come forward but they have failed to keep a single clean sheet in the league this season.
At the moment, their attacking prowess is being undermined by the amount of goals they are leaking.
Same old story for Kompany
Vincent Kompany has played only 116 minutes in the Premier League this season, out of a possible 1,080
While Toure's return was a shock, seeing Vincent Kompany injured again is becoming a depressingly familiar sight for City fans.
His latest setback was nothing to do with his troublesome calf, more just plain bad luck as he was left concussed by a first-half collision with his goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
Kompany's vision was affected and he had to be replaced a few minutes later, with frustration etched on his face as he trudged towards the tunnel at Selhurst Park.
The 30-year-old Belgian was making only his second league start of the season, and is yet to complete 90 minutes in any of his five appearances in all competitions this campaign.
What next?
City travel to Germany to take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday, then make the much shorter journey to play Burnley in the Premier League next Saturday for the early kick-off.
Palace also hit the road with a trip to Wales where they meet fellow strugglers Swansea on the same day.
Wickham enjoys playing against City...
Connor Wickham has scored four Premier League goals v Manchester City, more than any other opponent he's faced.
Both of Wickham's goals have come from the bench this season, after none of his previous 16 had done.
Toure has scored a Premier League brace for the first time since May 2015. It was his first start for City in the league since April.
Kevin de Bruyne has provided more assists than any other Premier League player this season (7).
Wilfried Zaha has provided an assist in each of his last four Premier League games for Palace.
Zaha also has more Premier League assists this season (5) than his previous three campaigns combined.