Kolo Toure was left to draw the positives from Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Stoke City.

34900 - Toure brothers draw positives from draw

City went back to the top of the Premier League on goal difference thanks to the point, but could fall three points behind rivals Manchester United should they beat Fulham on Monday.

It could have been worse for City, though, with Peter Crouch's stunning 30-yard volley giving Stoke the lead before Yaya Toure's 25-yard response levelled things up.

"It's always difficult to come to Stoke," Kolo Toure told ESPN. "We know every time will be a tough experience. I think today we were disappointed to drop two points, but at the end of the day, it's a good result.

"Every point is important and we will now watch the United game and hope. We are positive. We will now treat every game like a final. Today was a good game, Stoke are a good team and there was a lot of pressure."

Kolo Toure's thoughts were echoed by his brother.

"It's very important not to panic," Yaya Toure said. "We were up against a very good team. The most important thing is to work hard and be hopeful. If we can take points like this, they will be vital.

"Stoke are always strong to play against and they caused us a lot of problems."

Crouch, meanwhile, was delighted with his strike and said he was enjoying life with the Potters.

''It's up there with the best goals I've scored,'' he said. ''I had a good chance and am really pleased with the goal and the general performance.

''I'm really enjoying it here. The manager is first class, I love playing here and long may it continue.''