Birthday boy Tevez keeps City in hunt

THIS most unpredictable of Premier League seasons did not disappoint on Saturday, even if Manchester City were able to record a most routine of victories which returned them to the thick of the title contest.

A 19-minute first-half hat-trick from Carlos Tevez was more than enough for City to shake off some indifferent recent form and record three points which, when allied with events in Newcastle, at Wolves and at London yesterday, made this an extremely productive afternoon for the world’s wealthiest club.

Better yet for City, Saturday sees them travel to Old Trafford for an eagerly-awaited Manchester derby in which victory would haul them to within two points of the league leaders, albeit having played a game more.