Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has praised midfielder Yaya Toure after his impressive performance in Monday night's 3-0 win over West Bromwch Albion.

Toure endured a frustrating season last year with may calls for him to be sold in the summer, however Pellegrini has hailed his midfield general and expects big things from him this season following his match-winning brace at The Hawthorns.

Pellegrini said after the game: "I always said last season it was a strange season for Yaya, he started with a lot of problems, the death of his brother, his agents. I think he was not focused on what he had to do last year."

Pellegrini also hit out at Toure's critics last season saying: "I don't think Yaya deserved the amount of criticism he received last season. It was not his best season but he did not play so, so bad like everyone said."

"He is an important player for us. It is very difficult for a player when you have so many problems."