From desperation comes inspiration. If, as Sir Alex intimated, Roberto Mancini’s decision to allow Carlos Tevez back into the fold at Man City really was a last-ditch attempt to revive fortunes, there’s little doubt that it’s had the desired affect. Ferguson will be fidgeting uncomfortably having watched Tevez almost single handedly turn City back into a goal machine in the last two matches, knowing that they’re on a collision course on April 30.
For Fantasy managers, today’s hat-trick, capped with a cheeky assist for the revived Sergio Aguero, offered a stark reminder of the scoring power that Tevez brings. He started the season as a 12.0 player in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, having fired 21 goals and six assists last term – Tevez was and still is a Fantasy heavy-hitter.
Norwich felt the full force this afternoon as the Argentine inspired City, having re-ignited Mancini’s side in midweek in the 4-0 win over West Brom. Suddenly, having recently struggled for a cutting edge, particularly away from home, City are a free flowing attacking force once again. Aguero’s brace of goals today were his first league strikes away from the Etihad since that win at Old Trafford. With four in two matches, he’s now firmly back on the radar and could upset what looked like an established front three template of Van Persie/Rooney/Cisse for the remaining Gameweeks.
Arguably Tevez makes a bigger claim for our attention. We took a punt on him over Aguero in the Scout Picks having seen his statistics and form in his recent cameos and knowing his quality home and away. Tevez has come back and, once again, looked like scoring and setting up goals: today that came to fruition.
The Fantasy prospects of both Tevez and Aguero now, ironically, rest with United and the title race. A slip against Villa tomorrow looks unlikely but with City flexing their muscles in such intimidating style, the pressure on United has increased. Realistically, City will go to a beleaguered Wolves next weekend hoping that a stubborn Everton side can recover from today’s FA Cup disappointment and provide an awkward obstacle at Old Trafford. Then it’s all down to the clash at the Etihad that follows.
City need to stay in touch for Fantasy managers to invest with confidence – to sacrifice a double Gameweek transfer for either Tevez or Aguero for the Gameweek 36 trip to Molineux would be a brave move – a break from the best laid plans. However, as today demonstrated, Aguero’s form has moved up a gear and the talent of Tevez looks to have been the catalyst. Together they could yet play a major part in our Fantasy seasons and a title race which appears to be far from over.
