Monday, 19th January, 2015
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini claims that Yaya Toure's absence was not the reason for their loss to Arsenal yesterday.
The defending Premier League champions lost 2-0 to Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium after conceding a goal in each half. Santi Cazorla scored from the penalty spot in the 24th minute of the match before an Olivier Giroud header in the 67th minute sealed all three points for the visitors.
Manchester City's talismanic midfielder Yaya Toure, who is representing the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations, was a notable absentee from their squad.
A driving force for the Citizens from midfield, Toure has scored seven league goals and assisted another one in the league so far this season.
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But Pellegrini believes the midfielder's absence was not the reason for their loss to Arsene Wenger's team as they have enough quality in their ranks to defeat any opponents.
"I think Yaya is a very important player, but I never have excuses", he was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"We play other games without Yaya and can win also.
"I never have excuses with one or two players why we don't win", the Chilean further added.
Manchester City face table toppers Chelsea in their next league match where a defeat will see them go a whopping eight points behind the Londoners.
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