Tevez hits hat-trick as Man City destroy Norwich

Carlos Tevez fired a hat-trick and fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Norwich City 6-1 to move within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester United today.

Former skipper Tevez, who in midweek was handed his first start since September after ending a dispute with manager Roberto Mancini, produced a scintillating display to fuel his side's title hopes and put pressure on United.

Mancini's men have 77 points with four matches remaining, including a potentially title-deciding home game with United who have 79 from one game fewer.

Thanks to their commanding win at Norwich, Manchester City's goal difference is now eight better than United's, the team they walloped 6-1 at Old Trafford during a barnstorming start to the season.

United, whose shock midweek defeat at Wigan Athletic combined with Manchester City's home win against West Bromwich Albion rekindled the title race, host Aston Villa on Sunday.

Impressive as Manchester City were, a rather subdued Mancini refused to talk up his club's hopes of winning their first top-flight title since 1968.

"It was a fantastic performance," the Italian told Sky Sports. "We need to finish well in the championship and we are starting to play very well.

"But when you fight against a fantastic team like United it's impossible. (The title race) is finished.

"I think it is too late. I am happy we are playing like we did in the first 28 games."

At the other end of the table Blackburn Rovers's hopes of avoiding relegation suffered a big blow after a 3-0 defeat at Swansea City.

Bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers look almost certain to slip out of the top flight after a 0-0 draw at Sunderland left them eight points from safety.