In good shape! Man City win with late Nasri goal as Tevez returns
Samir Nasri's goal capped a stunning Manchester City fightback to beat Chelsea 2-1 and keep the Barclays Premier League title race on a knife-edge on Wednesday night.
Trailing to a deflected Gary Cahill goal with 12 minutes left, City seemed set for a catastrophic defeat. ‘After their goal it seemed like squeaky bum time,’ admitted manager Roberto Mancini.
Treasure chest: Match-winner Nasri (right) celebrates with Dzeko and Aguero
But the introduction of substitute Carlos Tevez lifted City and a Sergio Aguero penalty and Nasri’s last-gasp winner - set up by Tevez - kept City’s 100 per cent home league record intact. The win moves City back to within a point of Manchester United at the top of the table.
With nine games left, the title looks like being decided when the two Manchester teams meet at the Etihad Stadium at the end of April.
Back in action: Tevez played for the first time in six months
‘Now I’m really happy,’ added Mancini. ‘This game is worth more than three points. I am pleased with all the players because tonight they expended a lot of energy to win.
‘Carlos is not 100 per cent, but he knows football and it was important because he did an incredible assist for Samir.’
Timely lift: Nasri beats the on-rushing Cech
A victory at Stoke on Saturday evening will put City ahead of United again because Sir Alex Ferguson’s team do not play until Monday, when they entertain Fulham.
‘I don’t know if this was a champions’ performance, but it was a good performance in a difficult game,’ added Mancini.
Happy return: Tevez is mobbed after his part in the winner
‘I think we have played fantastic football at times, but so-so in the last month. But after tonight, maybe things can change. This has showed that our confidence is still good.’
City’s 20th successive home win in the league set a new Premier League record.
Still smiling: Nasri shares a joke with Mike Dean as he is booked for his celebration
‘I don’t care about that, I just want to win the league,’ said Mancini of the record.
Chelsea, meanwhile, rued a missed opportunity as they chase the fourth Champions League spot. Manager Roberto Di Matteo said: ‘We fought very hard and I think we deserved a point. I think the penalty gave them a big lift.’
