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Tevez inspired by Van Persie praise

Carlos Tevez says he will use Roberto Mancini's praise of Robin van Persie to spur him on for the rest of the season.

The Manchester City manager suggested the summer transfer of Van Persie to Manchester United could give Sir Alex Ferguson's side the edge in this year's title race, having lost it last year on goal difference to the Blues.

Van Persie has already scored 16 goals in the league this season for United, who are 1/3 to win the title, while Tevez has scored seven. Edin Dzeko leads the way for City, who can be backed at 3/1 to defend their crown, with nine, one ahead of Sergio Aguero, now sidelined with a hamstring injury.

However, Tevez insists he and his fellow City strikers have been inspired to improve their performances by their manager's comments.

"These words were a motivation for the strikers," he said.

"We know that we need to carry on fighting. United lost some games last season and we were back on track, so we will keep doing our job.

"There's a long way to go and a lot of games to play. The emotion of the Premier League means it's always a fight to the end. If United lose one game, we'll be getting close to them. They will know that.

"We want to keep winning, to keep fighting for the title. I will try to help us to compete on both fronts, the Premier League and FA Cup, and try to win both."

City are 25/1 to defeat Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday, with Tevez at 11/2 to score first.

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