BBC Sport's Chris Bevan at Villa Park

"Yaya Toure has had his fair share of critics in the first few games of this season but the Manchester City fans who are very loudly singing his name following that vital goal do not appear to be among them. As well as joy, relief is the over-riding emotion among the travelling supporters - there had seemed just no way through that Villa defence."

Aashish:, external Yaya just threw cake in his critics faces

Mufc Believer:, external Did City send in a birthday cake through a ball boy?

Manchester City were preparing to bring on Stevan Jovetic as an extra attacker in a late siege. But, after Yaya Toure's probable winner, they opt instead to bring on Jesus Navas for David Silva.

Wondering what the different Premier League managers made of today's action? Well, wonder no more. Videos are available at the top of this live text by hitting the 'highlights' tab. Enjoy.

BBC Radio

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Villa Park: "That is what Yaya Toure can do. It is out of nothing. Very few players can do what he has just done. He just guided past the diving right hand of Guzan. It is a special goal from a special player, who hasn't been looking special but when required can pull a team out of trouble."

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa's concentration and organisation finally break down and it is Yaya Toure who punishes their lapse.

The Ivorian picks his way to the edge of the box and, with the Villa defenders on their heels, has time to curl a precise shot around Philippe Senderos and into the bottom corner past a despairing Brad Guzan.

Frank Lampard has a shot blocked, Yaya Toure sees a cross headed clear by Jack Grealish and it is beginning to feel like one of those days for City.

Eleven minutes to go.

Image source, PA

BBC Radio

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Villa Park: "Villa are well-organised. They get 10 men behind the ball and slip into a back six easily and comfortably. The three in front harass and they are proving very difficult to break down."

Manchester City are clocking up possession and shots, but the goal column remains untouched.

MBEHAN:, external Good open game but what has happened to Yaya Toure the word class midfielder average at best now

Naveed Afzal:, external As much as I want Man City to drop points how good is David Silva. Every touch has a purpose and some of those touches majestic

Philippe Senderos is suffering from a timely bit of cramp, limping back into position and giving Brad Guzan an excuse to delay over a free-kick.

A bullet header from Eliaquim Mangala is matched the cat-like reflexes of Brad Guzan who flies left to, not only get a hand to it, but hold onto it as well.

Villa have a little under 20 minutes to hang on. Or perhaps do even more...

Paul Lambert makes a double change to try and get his side off the ropes and back into the game.

Jack Grealish and Leandro Bacuna are on in place of Kieran Richardson and Charles N'Zogbia.

Manchester City are peppering the Villa goal. David Silva opens his foot to steer James Milner's cross goalwards, but gets his angles askew, the ball sliding off his side-foot and wide.

Image source, Getty Images

Stuart Barnes:, external Dare I say it, Tom Cleverley looks pretty decent in a Villa shirt.

Wale ibraheem:, external Paul Lambert of Villa is now more matured and intelligent. He knows when and which team to attack and when to be aggressive.

James Cox:, external Villa look like they could have got away without Christian Benteke all season - with him they are Europe contenders for sure!

A twinkle-toed little jink through a corridor of space in the Aston Villa defence from David Silva ends with the Spaniard curling a tame shot into the body of Brad Guzan in goal.

City need a moment of brilliance to unlock the solid ranks of claret and blue, That was nearly it.

BBC Radio

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Villa Park: "Frank Lampard's in the centre-forward role now. And Pablo Zabaleta must be 50 yards up the field. They are all going forward. City have come here to win, they haven't come to settle for a 0-0 draw."

As David Silva sweeps a curling free-kick over the bar, Manuel Pellegrini calls for a change.

Off comes Edin Dzeko and Fernando is on. Will that free up Yaya Toure a little more to bomb on? City have come off the boil since Fernandinho was forced off, They maybe missed an anchorman in the middle.

BBC Radio

BBC Radio Manchester summariser Fred Eyre at Villa Park: "Villa are beginning to believe because at the other end City are not scoring, despite all the advantage they have had. Since Frank Lampard has come on James Milner is playing a lot narrower. So City have made changes to accommodate Lampard in the hope he will get one of his goals."

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport

The whole stadium - apart from the corner holding the travelling Manchester City fans - was on its feet to welcome Christian Benteke back into action, and huge cheers welcomed his first touch. After surviving so much pressure, Aston Villa have been growing in belief in the last few minutes and the return of their talisman striker will only increase their confidence.