LONDON - Carlos Tevez hit a hat-trick as Manchester City crushed Norwich 6-1 at Carrow Road on Saturday to pile the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Roberto Mancini's side moved within two points of title rivals United thanks to a treble from Argentina forward Tevez, two goals from Sergio Aguero and an Adam Johnson strike. Norwich midfielder Andrew Surman reduced the deficit for the home side.
United were due to meet Aston Villa at Old Trafford yesterday to re-establish their five-point advantage at the top.
After City's defeat at Arsenal last weekend, it was widely expected that United would cruise to their 20th English league crown, but the champions' midweek stumble at Wigan and back-to-back wins featuring 10 goals for Mancini's men has breathed new life into the title race. Mancini tried to keep the pressure on United when asked if the title was back in City's sights. "It's finished," he said.
He did admit that Tevez's absence for five months after the striker's touchline row with the City boss at Bayern Munich could be crucial. "I think we did well without Carlos for four or five months, but I'm sure if we had Carlos with Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli we would have scored more goals," Mancini said.
Norwich were swept aside before half-time as Tevez opened the scoring with a swerving shot from long range that deceived goalkeeper John Ruddy in the 18th minute.
Elsewhere, bottom club Wolves earned a creditable 0-0 draw at Sunderland, but Terry Connor's side still look destined for relegation.
With only four games to play, Wolves are eight points from safety despite ending a woeful run of seven successive defeats.
Blackburn remain second bottom of the table and sit three points from safety after a 3-0 defeat at Swansea.
QPR's survival hopes suffered a setback as Mark Hughes's side were beaten 1-0 at West Bromwich Albion.
Tevez goes on rampage
LONDON - Carlos Tevez hit a hat-trick as Manchester City crushed Norwich 6-1 at Carrow Road on Saturday to pile the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Roberto Mancini's side moved within two points of title rivals United thanks to a treble from Argentina forward Tevez, two goals from Sergio Aguero and an Adam Johnson strike. Norwich midfielder Andrew Surman reduced the deficit for the home side.
United were due to meet Aston Villa at Old Trafford yesterday to re-establish their five-point advantage at the top.
After City's defeat at Arsenal last weekend, it was widely expected that United would cruise to their 20th English league crown, but the champions' midweek stumble at Wigan and back-to-back wins featuring 10 goals for Mancini's men has breathed new life into the title race. Mancini tried to keep the pressure on United when asked if the title was back in City's sights. "It's finished," he said.
He did admit that Tevez's absence for five months after the striker's touchline row with the City boss at Bayern Munich could be crucial. "I think we did well without Carlos for four or five months, but I'm sure if we had Carlos with Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli we would have scored more goals," Mancini said.
Norwich were swept aside before half-time as Tevez opened the scoring with a swerving shot from long range that deceived goalkeeper John Ruddy in the 18th minute.
Elsewhere, bottom club Wolves earned a creditable 0-0 draw at Sunderland, but Terry Connor's side still look destined for relegation.
With only four games to play, Wolves are eight points from safety despite ending a woeful run of seven successive defeats.
Blackburn remain second bottom of the table and sit three points from safety after a 3-0 defeat at Swansea.
QPR's survival hopes suffered a setback as Mark Hughes's side were beaten 1-0 at West Bromwich Albion.
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