MANCHESTER: Carlos Tevez made an immediate impact on his return to Manchester City as the Argentine set up the winning goal in his team’s crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday.
A goal from Gary Cahill had appeared set to end City’s streak of 19 consecutive home league victories but, with the hosts trailing 1-0, Roberto Mancini introduced Tevez, back with the team after his six-month exile, as a 66th minute substitute.
The controversial Argentinian was greeted by a smattering of boos from home supporters.
But, within 12 minutes of his arrival, those jeers had been silenced and City were level as Michael Essien handled a Pablo Zabaleta shot and Sergio Aguero equalised with a superbly-struck penalty.
It set the stage for a fascinating finale and, with five minutes remaining, Samir Nasri played a short ball to Tevez, who returned the pass on the edge of the area for Nasri to calmly convert the winning goal. The victory means City move to within one point of leaders Manchester United having played the same amount of games as their bitter rivals.
Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen headed Arsenal into third place in the Premier League for the first time this season after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton on Wednesday.
Arsenal, who have now won six top-flight games in a row, leapfrogged Tottenham after Belgium defender Vermaelen struck in the eighth minute, while their north London rivals were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke.
It was hardly vintage Arsenal and Everton will be upset Royston Drenthe’s ‘equaliser’ was ruled out by a controversial off-side flag.
But having trailed Tottenham for most of the season, Arsene Wenger’s men have opened up a one-point cushion over their neighbours.
Robin van Persie is used to scoring goals rather than teeing them up, but the Netherlands striker’s corner allowed Vermaelen to power a header beyond United States keeper Tim Howard after out-jumping the home defence.
Jamie Mackie’s stoppage-time winner handed QPR a Premier League lifeline as the hosts staged a stunning fightback to beat Liverpool 3-2 at Loftus Road on Wednesday.
Kenny Dalglish’s side were in control with 20 minutes to go after goals from Sebastian Coates and Dirk Kuyt.
But Shaun Derry pulled one back for QPR before former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse ran on to Taye Taiwo’s cross to head home the equaliser with four minutes remaining. Then Mackie, who had come on as a substitute for the disappointing Joey Barton, raced onto Luke Young’s through-ball to slot home the winner. (Agencies)