Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that Yaya Toure remains an "important player" for the team following his performance against Chelsea this afternoon.

Toure returned to the starting XI at Stamford Bridge following a spell on the sidelines through injury and put in an impressive display as City left West London with a 3-0 victory.

There were suggestions that City played better without the Ivorian after they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in his absence, but Pellegrini insists that he is still a key member of the team.

"When he doesn't play and we win everyone says he should not play. We have a lot of games. We play and lose without him," he told Sky Sports News.

"He continues to be an important player for the team and he's made a difference since coming back from injury. I'm happy with his performance.

"Unfortunately, he is an old player but he knows what criticism is important and not important."

Sergio Aguero scored all three goals at Stamford Bridge to lift City up to third in the Premier League table.