Class-act Carlos boosts City

Manchester City 3, West Ham United 1


CARLOS TEVEZ was a somewhat reluctant hero for Manchester City in last night’s emphatic victory against West Ham at Eastlands.

The Argentine striker’s celebrations after scoring twice against his former club were subdued and a complete contrast to the antics of City’s Emannuel Adebayor in front of Arsenal fans after his goal against them.

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola described the actions of Tevez as those of a “gentlemen” and it was hard not to argue with the little Italian’s character reference.

Tevez, who kicked off his career in England with the Hammers, certainly helped restore some of football’s tarnished pride after the actions of a number of players have blackened the game in the early part of the season.

City produced another impressive display as they played some fast, attractive football.

You would be hard pressed to find a quicker team when you look at the speed of Tevez, Craig Bellamy, Martin Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

And City’s display suggested yet again they could well break the monopoly of the big four.

Zola certainly believes that is possible, declaring: “I was very impressed and the quality of some of City’s play was outstanding.

“If they continue to play to that standard, they have the quality to break into the top four.”

City manager Mark Hughes was delighted with side’s play, saying his players were excellent from start to finish.

He added it is important the likes of Petrov, who made his first start of the season, are primed and ready for action to make an impact when their chance comes along.

Tevez, whose only other City goal was in the Carling Cup, took little over four minutes to make the breakthrough, slotting home a left-wing cross from Petrov from within the six-yard box as he was left completely free.

Tevez could have completed a hat-trick in the opening quarter of an hour as he was nearly unplayable.

However, completely against the run of play, Carlton Cole equalised as he deflected a shot from Radoslav Kovac low past keeper Shay Given.

City held their nerve and quickly regained the lead through a perfectly- executed free kick from Petrov.

They sealed victory shortly after the hour mark when Tevez was left unmarked to head home a Bellamy free kick.

And to make it an even better night for City, Roque Santa Cruz made his long-awaited debut as a late substitute - and nearly scored - while midfield man Michael Johnson also returned after a 13-month lay-off.




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