Soccer: Tevez and Mancini make their peace

Carlos Tevez emerged to boos from some Manchester City fans, but a vital assist to seal the game helped win them over. Photo / AP

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini expects Carlos Tevez to go from strength to strength as his side chase the English Premier League title.

Tevez inspired a 2-1 win over Chelsea on his return from exile as a second-half substitute at Eastlands yesterday.

The Argentine forward set up a winning goal for Samir Nasri as his side closed the gap on leaders Manchester United to one point.

A Sergio Aguero penalty, soon after Tevez's introduction, had cancelled out Gary Cahill's opening goal for Chelsea as City also record a 20th consecutive home league win, a record in the Premier League era and only the fourth time in history a top-flight club has reached such a landmark.

Tevez's appearance from the bench had been greeted by boos from sections of City supporters, still angered by the forward's self-imposed six-month exile from the club following his refusal to warm up during a Champions League tie in September. But Mancini has no doubt that the player will not take long to win over the dissenting few.

"I think it was important that Carlos made an incredible assist for Samir and all the supporters were happy with that," Mancini said.

"Carlos is maybe not 100 per cent but he knows football and he was ... incredible for us.

"He's an important player, he needs another two or three weeks to have good form but when he plays, he knows where to take the ball."

- AAP