Three things we learnt as Manchester City swept aside Hull

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Yaya Toure shines once more

At the start of the season Yaya Toure’s Manchester City career looked all but over after the Ivorian midfielder was frozen out of first team action by Pep Guardiola following a behind the scenes bust-up involving the player’s agent.

The 33-year-old turned down opportunities to move to China during the summer and a recent reconciliation has been conducted between Toure, his agent and Guardiola that has resulted in his recall to City’s starting line-up.

It is a U-turn that Guardiola may well come to be thankful for come the end of the season if the experienced midfielder continues to produce man of the match performances like he did at the KCOM Stadium on Boxing Day.

Toure was simply outstanding. His all-round display at the heart of City’s midfield provided a timely reminder that he still possesses the quality that made him one of the leading players in world football just two seasons ago.

He conducted Pep Guardiola’s orchestra wonderfully from a deep position, spraying the ball with speed, purpose and direction to all areas of the pitch.

The Ivorian completed 106 passes throughout the game, 28 more than any team mate and 60 more than any opposition player, and touched the ball 121 times. His goal was a well-deserved reward to cap of a simply delightful display.

Yaya Toure suddenly looks a force to be reckoned with once more.