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Nasri & Mancini grateful for Tevez contribution

Carlos Tevez made a noticeable impact on his return © Getty Images

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City boss Roberto Mancini was pleased with Tevez's cameo in Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Chelsea and paid tribute to his side's determination to win the game.

Gary Cahill's goal had put the title challengers behind at Etihad Stadium, before Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri - the second thanks to an assist from Tevez - turned the game around for Mancini and his side.

"I'm happy, because he [Tevez] did well," Mancini told Sky Sports 1. "Also he's not in good form, I don't think he's fit 100%, but that's football.

"I think we deserved to win because we had three or four chances in the first 20 minutes. When they scored I think we didn't deserve to go behind. But we wanted, we desired to win this game."

He added: "He will get better. He is an important player for us."

The Italian though was quick to admit that he was feeling nervous when Chelsea took the lead. "After their goal it was feeling like squeaky bum time," he added.

Mancini claimed City's title bid was now back on track following their defeat at Swansea. "Yes, I think so,'' he said. "It's more than three points this game."

Samir Nasri also paid tribute to Carlos Tevez after the Argentinian, on his first appearance since returning from his self-imposed exile, set up the midfielder's late winner.

Tevez came off the bench shortly after the hour-mark, and his cute pass on the edge of the area played in Nasri to clinch the winner. "I am really happy for him,'' Nasri said on Sky Sports 1. "He has showed great spirit and today showed he can be really important until the end of the season. It's good that it was him who gave him the assist."

City defender Micah Richards admitted the victory was a huge result in their battle with city rivals United for the title. He said: "It's a massive result for us. After we went 1-0 down heads could have dropped, but we kept on going and managed to get three points.

"We did have to win tonight, we gave everything and showed good character. The lads will be delighted with that.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.