Toure: City proved in derby they are Manchester's top dogs

Alam Khan - Reporter 01:39 29/04/2017
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  • On the charge: Manchester City's Yaya Toure against United (Getty).

    Yaya Toure says City have again proved they are the No1 team in Manchester – and backed them to be even “stronger” next season.

    The rivals fought out a goalless draw on Thursday at Etihad Stadium to maintain their Premier League top-four challenge.

    City are now one point behind third-placed Liverpool with a game in hand, while United are in fifth, two points adrift of the Reds with an extra match to play.

    Should the standings remain the same, it will be the fifth time in six seasons that City have finished higher than 20-time champions United – and the celebrations of their players and fans after taking a point, with a largely defensive performance, reflected the power shift according to Toure.

    “Yeah, it is a big change because in the past United were always able to dominate,” said the midfielder, whose side had 19 shots compared to United’s three.

    “They were always able to control and win games, and seeing the fans celebrating like that, it shows that City have come close.

    “Of course, the history and achievements of United are much stronger, but we are coming.

    “They now know we are difficult to play and they tried to do their best to defend and use the counter attack.

    “Credit to them, at the back they were very strong and my friend [Eric] Bailly was very good. To be honest we played well, but when you don’t win it is difficult to take.

    “Yes, of course [City are the No1 club in Manchester]. All the time we finish above them in the season, it shows City are doing very well.”

    But Pep Guardiola needs them to do better. Faced with the disappointment of a season without a major trophy, their first since 2012/13, the City boss is set to spend big in the summer to improve the squad.

    And Toure, who has helped the club win two league titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups in that period, expects both City and UnIted to be challenging for first place, not fourth, next season.

    “Yes, for sure,” he added. “United are building something very interesting. We have to be aware of that, but I think City are going to be much, much stronger as well.

    “Next year we are going to expect more – I hope United are going to attack a little bit more.

    “City are always fighting for the title and this year was quite difficult, quite disappointing, because we have been frustrated.

    “Teams are always thinking of counter attacking and that is the difficulty. That is why the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. So demanding, so hard, and always have to fight against yourself to succeed.”

    Out of contract in the summer, Toure, 34, may not be at the club to see their progress.

    He still hopes to earn a new one-year deal, but said: “It will depend on the club. I will just do my job and we will see.”

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