Kolo Toure has stressed how important it is for Manchester City to follow up their win over Chelsea last weekend with another victory on Sunday against Newcastle United (City 2/5, Newcastle 15/2, draw 10/3).

Roberto Mancini’s side inflicted a first defeat of the season on the champions last Saturday to add credence to claims they can break into the top four of the Premier League.

The win follows up an earlier success over Liverpool at Eastlands too but Toure says it is vital they not only pick up three points against the big sides but also against the so-called lesser teams – like Newcastle.

The defender said: “We just need to be consistent in our results. The Newcastle game is really important because we need to show we have improved.

“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.”

City, who could move a point behind the leaders if results go their way this weekend, were held by Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday but there are real signs the expensively-assembled squad at Eastlands is beginning to gel and that they are becoming a real force to be reckoned with (City to beat Newcastle 4-0 – 16/1).

Vincent Kompany is again set to partner the former Arsenal man at centre-half against the Magpies and Toure has been very impressed with the Belgium international – whose preferred position is really in midfield.

“Vincent is a really intelligent player,” added the Ivory Coast ace. “He was strong last season and is doing really well in this campaign.

“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.”

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