Premier League - Toure hat-trick helps City thrash Fulham

Yaya Toure reacts after scoring a penalty for Manchester City against Fulham (Reuters)

Premier League, Etihad Stadium – Manchester City 5 (Toure 26 pen, 54 pen, 65 Fernandinho 84 Demichelis 88) Fulham 0

Yaya Toure scored two penalties and curled home a delightful third as Manchester City beat ten-man Fulham 5-0 to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The Ivorian midfielder opened the scoring from the spot after a crazy kick from Fernando Amorebieta sent Alvaro Negredo sprawling to the turf.

But City struggled for tempo and creativity in a dire first half, although David Silva did see an effort headed off the line and Aleksandar Kolarov crashed a shot against the crossbar.

Another reckless challenge from Amorebieta killed the contest after the restart when he sent Silva tumbling inside the penalty area – the Fulham defender receiving a red card for his efforts – with Toure again doing the honours from the spot.

Toure capped a fine display by curling a magnificent effort beyond David Stockdale for his hat-trick as City mounted attack after attack against their beleaguered opponents.

Fernandinho crashed home a fourth at the near post and Martin Demichelis scored his first goal in City colours as the hosts sealed a comprehensive victory without ever fully hitting full-stride.

City remain six points off pacesetters Chelsea with three games in hand.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Yaya Toure (Manchester City): Easy decision. Scored a hat-trick and bossed the midfield.

PLAYER RATINGS

Manchester City: Hart 6, Zabaleta 6, Lescott 6, Demichelis 6, Kolarov 6 Fernandinho 6, Toure 8, Milner 7, Nasri 6, Silva 6, Negredo 6… Subs: Navas 6, Rodwell 6, Jovetic 6.

Fulham: Stockdale 6, Heitinga 5, Hangeland 5, Amorebieta 4, Riise 5, Kacaniklic 6, Riether 6, Kvist 6, Sidwell 5, Richardson 6, Woodrow 5… Subs: Holtby 6, Roberts 6, Kasami 6.