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Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has said that his long-range strike effort against Sunderland to equalise in City's 3-1 Capital One Cup final victory on Sunday was the best goal he has scored in his career.
The Ivory Coast midfielder bent in a delightful effort in the 55th minute to cancel out Fabio Borini's first half goal for Sunderland. Samir Nasri then put Manuel Pellegrini's side ahead with another sublime goal one minute later, before Jesus Navas added a third in the dying stages of the game.
"[The match] was unbelievable. We needed to win today," Toure said after the win.
"Sunderland made it difficult for us in the first half but we played well in the second half.
"The final is only one game and you need to enjoy it."
When asked if it was best strike of his career, Toure answered:
"I think so, yes. It was important as well. Samir scored a great one too."
Show all 24 1 /24Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Costel Pantilimon 5/10 Could do little about the opening goal and had few shots to deal with. Not always convincing though, with the odd wayward punch.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Pablo Zabaleta 5/10 Frustrating first half as chances to get forward were limited but became more involved in the second period and laid on the pass for Toure’s goal.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Vincent Kompany 7/10 Surprisingly outdone by Borini for the opening goal but more than made up for it, particularly with a last-ditch challenge on Sunderland’s goalscorer.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Martin Demichelis 5/10 Continues to look a weak link in the Manchester City side, but did enough in this match to keep Sunderland from scoring again. Strong in the air.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Aleksandar Kolarov 7/10 Delivered the ball for Nasri’s goal and was a constant threat down the left with consistent deliveries. Dreadful clearance late on.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Fernandinho 7/10 Made vital tackles throughout the match and began to dominate the centre of the park. His challenge on Alonso started move for final goal.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Yaya Toure 7/10 A jaded performance was sparked into life by a quite brilliant curled strike. Played further forward in later stages and set up Navas’s winner.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Samir Nasri 8/10 Among City’s best performers, combining with his fellow midfielders and opening up Sunderland’s defence. First-time shot to score was sublime.
AP
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Sergio Aguero 7/10 Proved he was fit and ready for the final with some excellent touches and frightening pace. Showed great control in build-up to second goal.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings David Silva 7/10 Usual brilliant self, with quick tidy passing constantly giving Sunderland something to think about. At times overplayed it and was taken off.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Edin Dzeko 4/10 Failed to influence the game, with his first touch letting him down. Managed to waste some time when withdrawn for Negredo.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Best of the bench: Jesus Navas 7/10 Pace was a threat when he came on for Aguero, helping to keep Sunderland pegged back. Scored the final goal with well-placed effort inside near post.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Vito Mannone 6/10 Could do nothing about the first two goals, which were struck brilliantly. Got a hand on the third but power took it past him. Otherwise good.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Phil Bardsley 7/10 Strong tackle on Silva early on showed he was up for this one. Crucial interception inside his own six-yard box with Nasri looking to find a team-mate.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Marcos Alonso 6/10 Was not tight enough to Nasri for the second goal but did well to limit City’s progress down their right in the first half. Tired in the second period
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Wes Brown 6/10 Solid throughout, winning numerous headers when City tried to play the ball long, helping to keep Dzeko quiet. Headed just over from a corner
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings John O’Shea 6/10 The veteran defender showed he still has a bit in the tank when he needs it, managing to keep pace with both Aguero and Navas, just, and make crucial tackles.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Lee Cattermole 7/10 Showed desire to get on the ball whenever he could and leadership in abundance. Good pass selection, although made occasional errors.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Jack Colback 6/10 Put in strong tackles throughout and showed his ability to deliver a dangerous cross from the left. Did not always get the better of Zabaleta, however.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Adam Johnson 6/10 Exquisite pass with outside of the boot set up Borini’s goal. However, failed to repeat his recent good form and was withdrawn after an hour.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Sebastian Larsson 6/10 Played in a central position and was involved in Sunderland’s best moves during the first half. Less influential in the second and replaced after an hour.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Ki Sung-yueng 8/10 Assured touches in central areas and looked to take his team forward whenever he received the ball. Stung palms of Pantilimon from range.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Fabio Borini 6/10 Scored with great calmness to put Sunderland in the lead. Should perhaps have doubled advantage when in on goal again. Faded as game went on.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 1 player ratings Best of the bench: Steven Fletcher 4/10 Decent chance inside box but could only shoot straight at Pantilimon. Provided focal point up front but touch let him down badly when in good position.
City captain Vincent Kompany added: "You have got to cherish every trophy and this is another.
"We had to step it up in the second half. Our first half performance was not up to standard. This means everything."
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