Peter Crouch hails 'best goal ever' as Man City stay positive

Kolo Toure says it is 'important not to panic' after managing only a point against Stoke City.

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli reacts in frustration after City were held at Stoke.

The message coming out of the Manchester City camp was a positive one after their 1-1 draw at Stoke City.

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

They so nearly lost today, with Peter Crouch's stunning 30-yard volley giving Stoke the lead, before Yaya Toure's 25-yard response levelled things up.

But Yaya, and brother Kolo Toure, were keen to draw on the positives.

"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," he 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."

The broadcaster reported that City boss Roberto Mancini had declined to speak to them after the game, but man of the match Crouch did.

"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."