Yaya Toure’s first-half double provided a timely reminder of his enduring class as Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 victory at West Brom last night.

The Ivorian, linked with a move away from the Etihad in the close season after some inconsistent displays, gave the former champions a ninth minute lead following a fortuitous double deflection and added a sublime second with a wonderful curling finish after 24 minutes.

West Brom improved significantly after the break but were powerless to prevent City extending their lead through Vincent Kompany’s thunderous 59th-minute header.

Manchester City handed a league debut to Raheem Sterling but the England winger spurned a one-on-one chance and was generally overshadowed by his dazzling team-mates Toure and David Silva before he was withdrawn in the second half.

Manchester City host champions Chelsea in their next match while West Brom visit promoted Watford.

Meanwhile, before yesterday’s kick-off, West Brom announced they had broken their club record transfer fee to sign Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.

The 25-year-old agreed a four-year contract and signed for a fee West Brom say is around 12 million pounds.

“This is a new opportunity. I can’t wait to be with the other players and to play,” he said.

“The club showed a lot of interest in me, that’s what is important for a player, what you take into account, and there are expectations of me.”

Rondon’s arrival could pave the way for a move away from West Brom for England striker Saido Berahino who has been linked with various clubs including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.