Three Key Takeaways: Manchester City Defeat Crystal Palace 2-1

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 19: Yaya Toure of Manchester City (C) celebrates scoring his sides second goal with his Manchester City team mates during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on November 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /

Following the November international break, Manchester City got back to winning ways on Saturday after a 2-1 road victory against Crystal Palace.

Pep Guardiola‘s starting lineup saw the return of Yaya Toure who was making his first league appearance since April. Toure, had been out of the side due to numerous comments made by his agent Dimitri Seluk towards Guardiola.

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Manchester City took the opening lead in the first half after Toure’s deflected shot found the top left corner. Palace forward Connor Wickham equalized in the second half after his driving run and shot beat Claudio Bravo.

Toure won the match and all three points for Manchester City seven minutes from time after he slotted home easily from Kevin De Bruyne‘s corner-kick.

The victory got Guardiola’s side back to winning ways after they had fallen out of first place in the league table before the international break. It may not have been the most dominating performance but Manchester City were able to get the job done when they needed it most.

They remain in second place behind Liverpool but are equal on points and goal-difference.

In case you missed the action from London, here are my three key takeaways from Saturday’s victory.

1.) A fit Yaya Toure adds another element to this team.
With Ilkay Gundogan missing out yesterday, Yaya Toure was able to slot right in for Manchester City. I feel that he adds another element to the team that could help make a push towards the title. During City’s last title-winning campaign in 2014-15, Toure was sensational before having a dismal season a year ago. Being 33 years old, his age will be questioned but after a fine performance yesterday he still brings a lot to the table. With Fernandinho helping out defensively, Toure can be used as a box-to-box midfielder in attacks. He cannot be of any help this round in the UEFA Champions League but he sure will be used for Manchester City during the Premier League season.

2.) Vincent Kompany’s injury problems continue in scary collision.
Vincent Kompany returned to the starting line-up for Manchester City yesterday but only featured for 35 minutes. Kompany, who has dealt with calf problems the last couple seasons, was involved in a scary collision with Claudio Bravo in the first half yesterday. Tracking back for a ball in the air, Kompany’s head ran into Bravo’s torso which looked to have winded the centerback. Not that long after, Kompany was subbed off looking to have suffered a concussion/head injury. Pep Guardiola told the Manchester Evening News that the club will not take any risks with the 30 year-old defender. “There’s a problem in the head, with a kick, we are going to control it because always with a kick in the head you have to be careful. Hopefully it’s not going to be important,” said Guardiola.

3.) A gritty performance should help City the next week.
Previously said, it was not the most dominating performance by MCFC but in the end they earned a crucial three points. While Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all dropped points on Saturday, the win helps Manchester City gain some momentum following time off. Up next, the Citizens travel to Germany to face Borussia Monchengladbach on Matchday #5 of the UCL on Wednesday. Following that they travel to Burnley for a league match on Saturday which should be a tough test against a side that is strong at home.

Next: Yaya Toure's Two Goals Propel Manchester City over Crystal Palace

Again, a good result yesterday but the team now has to prepare for the next match and hope that the momentum gained from the win goes to good use.