Source: Team_Talk
Toure calls for City consistency
Kolo Toure claims Manchester City need to defeat Newcastle on Sunday and send out a strong message they can be genuine title contenders. [LNB] The former Arsenal defender has been heartened by wins against Liverpool and Chelsea already this season.[LNB]However, City, a side with Champions League expectations, have also had to settle for a home draw with Blackburn and lost at Sunderland.[LNB]Toure is adamant there should be no slip-ups when Chris Hughton's newly-promoted side visit Eastlands.[LNB]He said: "We just need to be consistent in our results. The Newcastle game is really important because we need to show we have improved.[LNB]"Every time we play a big team we play well but when we play a team we are supposed to beat we struggle a bit. We hope to change that on Sunday."[LNB]Toure knows he will have his work cut out against Newcastle striker Andy Carroll, who has weighed in with four goals this term.[LNB]However, it is a challenge the experienced Ivory Coast international is relishing.[LNB]He said: "Andy Carroll is a really tough player. I have played against strikers like him many times in my career. It will be a good battle."[LNB]City followed the victory against Chelsea with a draw against Juventus in the Europa League in midweek.[LNB]That point came thanks to a goal from England winger Adam Johnson, who had a spell at Newcastle as a schoolboy before moving to Middlesbrough.[LNB]Toure has formed a good partnership at the back with Belgium international Vincent Kompany, who was again impressive against the Italians.[LNB]Kompany was signed from Hamburg as a defensive midfielder but has adapted seamlessly to his new role as Toure will testify.[LNB]"Vincent is a really intelligent player, " said Toure. "He was strong last season and is doing really well in this campaign.[LNB]"It is not easy playing centre-half when you have been in midfield. It takes time to get used to it. But he is doing really well at the back, which is good for the team."[LNB]Pablo Zabaleta will miss the match after suffering a hamstring strain, which will either mean a recall for Dedryck Boyata or Joleon Lescott.[LNB]David Silva, James Milner and Nigel de Jong will all hope for a place in the starting XI after being on the bench against Juventus.
