Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has praised his team's efforts in today's Premier League game against Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium, claiming that their 1-0 win was 'well deserved'.

The 30-year-old Ivorian struck the game's only goal midway through the second half to claim the win and ensure that his team keep the pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal.

"It was important to win, to close the gap [on the top two]," Toure told Sky Sports News. "[Stoke] defended very well, were good on the counter attack.

"The most important thing was to stay calm, to not concede a goal. [It was] a well deserved win today."

Man City currently occupy third place in the Premier League with a game in hand over Chelsea and Arsenal.