After the crushing disappointment of losing the Manchester derby in the last minute, the captain for the day admitted that it had been difficult to pick themselves up.
“It was tough, after losing the game we needed to win today,” said Yaya. “United are a fantastic team with a really good manager but I think we played well today against a Newcastle team that is always tough to play against.”
His brother, who was given the Man of the Match award by Sky, concurred.
“It was really important to bounce back after the loss we had against United,” said Kolo, “I thought that we played a really good game but we lost the crucial goal at the end.
“We were still in danger at 2-1 in this match and there was lots of pressure on us but I think Yaya’s goal killed the game and we were really happy with it.
“You need to be tough mentally to play against Newcastle because it doesn’t matter what happens they still have great fans and we had to show great character and to be really strong.”
Much of the talk in the build-up to this match was centered around the role Yaya played in this same fixture last season where he scored a brace to put City on the brink of the title.
His impact proved to be just as telling on Saturday afternoon, with him popping up to score the crucial third goal to end the home side’s resistance.
“I got lucky in that position but Zaba played really well today and he picked me out,” he declared.
“It’s amazing to play here, I scored one goal today which is always nice but the most important thing is the three points and we have to keep on going.”
Kolo and Yaya have found opportunities to start matches together hard to come by and they both admitted how pleased they were to get the three points in tandem.
“It’s amazing to play with my brother but City are one of the greatest clubs in the world so we must continue to work hard,” Yaya stated.
“I’m really glad to play with Yaya, I think I’m playing well and we will keep working hard,” was Toure Senior’s take.
Gael Clichy was also delighted with the spirit that was on show in the victory, especially after being part of the Arsenal side to lose a 4-0 half-time lead at St James’s Park a couple of years ago.
“What I liked today about the team is that we defended really well – everyone from the defenders, to the attackers and down the middle,” Clichy said.
“With the players we have up front we know that we can suffer from 10 or 15 minutes and know we have the quality to hit them on the break.
“Sometimes the spirit has not been there but today it was definitely there.
“People expect better from City but so do we, one game last week is not changing anything but what we have learned from last season is that six points, eight points, ten points is nothing at this stage.”
If you want to see the next exciting installment of the champions’ title defence, make sure you head to mcfc.co.uk/tickets to get your ticket to City v Reading at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 22 December.
