Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta hailed the performance of two-goal hero Carlos Tevez after their Carling Cup semifinal first-leg win over Manchester United.

Tevez snapped up his 16th and 17th goals of a remarkable season to wipe out Ryan Giggs' opener and give the Blues a 2-1 lead to take to Old Trafford for the second leg.

Zabaleta told City's website: "Carlos was fired up because of what was said. United fans know he was a big loss because he was a great player for them. He can repeat this in the second game.

"Every team wants Carlos Tevez, and we have a great opportunity to enjoy him at this club. I am sure that Carlos will try to take Manchester City right to the top."