Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage has said that Manchester city striker Carlos Tevez was extremely influential in the recent 2-1 victory for city over Manchester United. City came into the Manchester derby during the weekend with no hope of winning the league title due to the massive 15 point difference between them and leaders United. However, they salvaged some pride from the season after managing a 2-1 victory over United. Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal for Roberto Mancini’s men just over 10 min from time to seal the three points.

Even though this victory does not give city in the hope of winning the title, it provides them with great confidence going into the next season according to Savage. He has also praised the performance of Argentine Carlos Tevez. He may not have scored during the match, but his movement and pressing were extremely important according to Savage. Since the away team were playing with only one striker, Tevez had a lot of work to do. He brought the likes of David Silva, James Milner, and Samir Nasri into the game in brilliant fashion.

Tevez has been one of the best players for city this season. The 29-year-old has scored 11 goals in the league alone.

“City’s line-up, with only one recognised striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, did not look that attacking at first, but Tevez helped them take control of the game with his play in United’s half. He kept dropping deep to collect the ball and, every time it went into him, he held it up. His first touch was fantastic and he brought the three players immediately behind him – James Milner, Samir Nasri and David Silva – into the game,” said Savage. Former Blackburn midfielder, Savage, is now retired from football and is working as a pundit.