Yaya Toure's duty: Make history with Manchester City

Yaya Toure conforms to the ste-reotype of the gentle giant, but there is a quiet intensity to him. Top of the table, plundering goals galore and arriving at Old Trafford able to look down on Manchester United, the Ivorian is anything but complacent. His target, rather than the draw that will enable City to retain their lead at the top of the Premier League, is nothing less than the most significant derby triumph on enemy territory since Denis Law backheeled United to relegation in 1974. "We can stay top for a long time, until the Premier League finishes, but we know it will be difficult because we have to go to Stoke, to Stamford Bridge [Chelsea], to Old Trafford, to Emirates Stadium [Arsenal]," he said. "To win the title we know we have to go there and win there."Even the perfectionist, Roberto Mancini, would struggle to set a tougher target. Yet a major test on their travels was passed emphatically, with a 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in August highlighting City's credentials. Sunday, comes one of the most eagerly awaited derbies of all, the meeting of the neighbours that is already shaping up as a possible title decider. Should City realise the midfielder's ambitions, they will lead United by five points. "This kind of derby now is unbelievable," Toure added. "It is fantastic for the city. If you win it is fantastic; if you lose, you go mad. It is massive, because we are almost at the same point." Almost because, while City have the advantage this season, United possess the pedigree trophies offer. Enemies are also examples to Toure, who admires United's indefatigable spirit and their enduring ability to stage dramatic comebacks. "United with [Sir Alex] Ferguson is a great example, because Ferguson makes this club. In football, when you score two goals, a game is finished. But when you play Man United, like in the Community Shield, we scored two goals [and led 2-0] and we lost 3-2, not because we are bad - we have a fantastic squad - but United did not step down ... they continued to fight until the last minute." United's trophy cabinet would nevertheless need to be larger still but for Toure. He has served as their nemesis, helping snuff out Cristiano Ronaldo as an emergency centre-back in Barcelona's 2009 Champions League final triumph and scoring City's goal in last season's FA Cup semi-final victory. "The semi-final was amazing, incredible," said Toure who staged a repeat by scoring another Wembley winner in the final against Stoke City. That secured a first trophy in 35 years. The reaction overwhelmed Toure, whose three seasons at Barcelona equipped him with an understanding of a club where silverware is not so much celebrated as expected. "When we won the FA Cup, all the people around the club were happy," he said. "It is incredible. It's not like Barcelona. When they win the league, it is normal."