It has been suggested that the title could already be City's had Tevez not gone AWOL for three months after suffering a falling-out with manager Roberto Mancini, but he is back and leading a late surge for the crown.

The Argentina international, having worked his way back to full fitness, netted a hat-trick on Saturday as the Blues swept aside Norwich 6-1 at Carrow Road.

He has now scored four times in his last two appearances and has helped City to close the gap which separates them from league leaders Manchester United to two points - ahead of the Red Devils' home date with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Tevez believes there is still all to play for in the final weeks of the season, despite Mancini claiming again after the Norwich success that the title had already slipped from City's grasp.

"Of course we can still win the title," Tevez told City TV.

"Obviously we have to put pressure on United. We just need to continue to play the way we are and we will arrive and the top. Mathematically it's not impossible."

Appreciative

Tevez, who has endured five months of disciplinary hearings, public verbal sparring with Mancini and huge fines, has looked sharp on his return to action and is grateful to have been offered a clean slate by those inside the City camp.

"I am very happy that I played very well today but the most important thing is that I want to say thank you to my colleagues for all the support they have given me since I arrived," he said.

"It wasn't easy coming back to training and to play but they have given me a lot of support and the technical staff have been very good to me too. I really appreciate everyone's help."

Tevez's strike partnership with fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero could be crucial to City in their title quest, with the pair having netted five of the Blues' six goals against Norwich.

"We seem to understand each other and yes we did play very well together," said Tevez.