Toure helps City conquer Palace
London, Nov. 20: Yaya Toure was back in Pep Guardiola’s good books with a brace in Manchester City’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Out-of-favour Toure’s only previous appearance since Guardiola’s appointment as City manager came in a Champions League qualifier against Steaua Bucharest in August.
But he was given a first Premier League start this term after he apologised to Guardiola for “misunderstandings of the past” and the Ivory Coast midfielder made up for lost time as he put City ahead with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area in the 39th minute.
City, who lost injuryprone defender Vincent Kompany with a firsthalf head injury, conceded a 66th-minute equaliser when Palace striker Connor Wickham beat a weak attempted save by Claudio Bravo.
Guardiola’s men hit back to grab the winner in the 83rd minute as Toure slotted home following
confusion in the Palace defence.
Toure’s heroics lifted City to second place and they are behind leaders Liverpool only on goals scored after the Reds had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Southampton.
Liverpool had made their best start for eight years, sparking talk of a first title since 1990, but Jurgen Klopp’s side were unable to convert a host of chances.
Harry Kane inspired a dramatic Tottenham fightback as the England striker’s late double sealed a 3-2 win over West Ham.
Michail Antonio gave West Ham a 24th minute lead before Harry Winks equalised with his first Tottenham goal in the 51st minute.
Manuel Lanzini scored a 68th minute penalty for the Hammers, but Kane equalised after 89 minutes and then smashed in a stoppage-time spotkick.
West Ham had Winston Reid sent off for an elbow on Kane in the final moments as Tottenham’s unbeaten run extended to 12 matches.
Swansea were denied a first win under boss Bob Bradley as Everton left it late to earn a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.