Tevez show earns Kidd praise

BRIAN Kidd believes Carlos Tevez’s innate scoring ability and work ethic makes the Manchester City striker such a stand–out performer.

It is an accolade Tevez should cherish given that the former European Cup winner got a few vital goals himself in his playing career.

The Argentina international was an unstoppable force, certainly in the first half, against West Brom when he scored a quick–fire hat–trick on his 27th birthday.

That took his tally in the 3–0 victory to 20 goals for the season, 18 in the Barclays Premier League.

The fans have certainly taken him to their hearts and he was afforded a standing ovation near the end when Shaun Wright–Phillips replaced him.

City assistant manager Kidd said: “Carlos was tremendous again. You know what you get with him. He is a first class, fantastic player. He is a nuisance to centre halves. He never stops, he never gives them a minute’s rest. He leads by example.”

Two of Tevez’s goals came from the penalty spot to leave West Brom reeling.

The skipper saw a shot come back off the post in the fourth minute before making the breakthrough 13 minutes later with Steven Reid punished for barging Aleksandar Kolarov. Tevez sent Boaz Myhill the wrong way with his first penalty.

Tevez extended their lead in the 22nd minute after skipping into the area following a one–two with David Silva before finding the corner with his effort.

He then completed his hat–trick in the 36th minute with his second spot-kick of the game after Jerome Thomas, for reasons known only to himself, handled in the area. Tevez stepped up and this time sent his effort high over Myhill.

The result was just the boost City were looking for ahead of the derby against Manchester United on Saturday, especially as the leaders’ unbeaten run came to an end at Wolves.

And with Tevez and Kidd returning to Old Trafford, the game has added impetus.