Two for Toure as Mancini seeks more from City

YAYA TOURE struck twice as Manchester City enhanced their hopes of Champions League progress with a convincing win at Villarreal last night.

Mario Balotelli, making his first appearance in the competition this season, was also on target from the penalty spot as City recorded back-to-back wins over the Spaniards to move second in Group A.

It was a result that rarely seemed in doubt as City dominated at El Madrigal but of possible concern to them was the sight of the influential David Silva leaving the field clutching his back.

Otherwise Mancini’s only headache may have been the one he received when jumping up and banging himself on the roof of the dugout during the first half.

Aside from a nervy opening couple of minutes, City controlled the game throughout and, after patiently awaiting their first goal on 30 minutes, never looked like yielding.

Their hopes of reaching the knockout stage could still hinge on their next vital away assignment at Napoli but they at least now have a two-point advantage over the Italians.

City captain Vincent Kompany is already relishing the prospect of the trip to Italy. “It’s a big game, but that’s what you play Champions League for.

“We’ve always thought if we do our job properly then we are as strong as anyone.”

Manager Roberto Mancini was understated in his reaction to another hugely-impressive display, which brought his side their seventh successive victory in all competitions.

City have also scored 27 goals in that period, but Mancini was quick to look ahead to Premier League encounters with QPR and Newcastle before the crunch trip to Italy.

“We know every game is hard,” Mancini said. “Now we have another game in 60 hours, it will be hard, we will have to change some players.

“We are going very well but we want to improve, this is possible.”

Until last night, City’s imperious domestic form had not been matched in Europe and they were again uncertain at the start.

It was not until the 20th minute that City they seriously threatened when Samir Nasri fired wide.

Silva, a former hero at nearby Valencia, was a constant danger and it was he who stole possession from the feet of Perez to set up the opening goal for Toure on the half-hour.

The dynamic Ivorian raced through as Silva slid a perfect pass into the box and opened his body to sidefoot past Diego Lopez with cool precision.

City doubled their lead from the penalty spot in time added on at the end of the first half after Mateo Musacchio clipped the ankles of Balotelli.

Villarreal protested but Balotelli held his nerve – despite apparent attempts from someone in the crowd to put him off with a laser pen – and firmly dispatched a low shot after stuttering in his run-up.

City carried their dominance into the second half, Silva winning another free-kick in dangerous territory after a menacing run but Balotelli’s shot was deflected wide.

And City wrapped up victory Toure claiming his second after 71 minutes with a goal that made the game look all too easy.

Nasri fed Balotelli down the left and the striker looked up to pass inside for Toure, who casually glided past Jose Catala before stroking the ball past Lopez.

VILLARREAL: Diego Lopez, Mario, Rodriguez, Musacchio, Catala, De Guzman (Angel 76), Marchena, Valero, Wakaso (Bordas 76), Perez (Joan Oriol 84), Joselu.

MANCHESTER CITY: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Savic, Clichy, De Jong, Toure Yaya (Aguero 74), Milner, Silva (Johnson 65),Nasri, Balotelli (Kolarov 82).

Ref: Pedro Proenca (Portugal).