Pablo Zabaleta says team-mate Carlos Tevez is finally back to his best and has put his problems at Manchester City behind him.
It is 18 months since Roberto Mancini said the striker’s career at City was ‘finished’ after his refusal to come on in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
But Tevez has now clocked up 34 appearances this season and has three goals in his last three games — including the winner against Aston Villa on Monday night.
When asked if he thought Tevez was back to his best, Zabaleta said: ‘Yes, he definitely is, 100 per cent. He’s been great all season.’
Zabaleta added: ‘It has been so difficult for Carlos, for Mancini, for the club. From something very small, it grew so big. Everything went crazy and it was difficult for everyone. Everybody makes mistakes, the positive thing is Carlos came back and the commitment for the club and team has been 100 per cent, so that is well done by him.’
The win against Villa closed the gap behind Manchester United at the top of the league table to 12 points. City recovered from eight points behind their rivals last year to win the title but Zabaleta admitted they have probably dropped too many points this season.
Meanwhile, Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has clocked up a two-match suspension that will see him miss a crucial double-header. He was booked for the tenth time this season against City and will now sit out this weekend’s trip to Reading and the visit of QPR to Villa Park.
He said: ‘It’s my tenth booking and, to be honest, I think I deserve three. I’d never try to injure someone. I’ve won the ball in every yellow card I’ve received.’ – Daily Mail