Man City boss Hughes warns Tevez of future supersub role

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has hinted he sees Carlos Tevez as a supersub.

After another draw at Liverpool, Hughes has his hands full trying to keep everyone happy, from owners who want a return on their investment to players who struggle with the concept of squad utilisation.

Six straight draws suggest the first part could be going better, while saluting Tevez’s qualities as a substitute will do little for the second.

It wasn’t what the 25-year-old had in mind when he moved, but he may have to get used to it after going on in the second half and sparking a revival that almost left Rafa Benitez having to explain a sixth Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

"Carlos has had a bit of a problem with his knee, but not starting him was a tactical thing," declared Hughes. "You are not going to go gung-ho at Anfield because the likelihood is you will concede goals.

"Once we went behind it was time to introduce him. It was always my intention to bring him on at some point, because of the impact he can have from the bench. He got us into a winning position which we didn’t see through.

"He won’t play every game, as a lot of others won’t, because we have a good squad. It has been frustrating for him."

Man City boss Hughes warns top four: Theres's many of us ready to replace you

Despite being held 1-1 by Wigan Athletic, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is convinced they are a genuine top four contender.

Although City were not able to capitalise on defeats by Chelsea and Liverpool when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan, it is already clear the cash-rich Blues will mount a sustained assault on the Premier League's established elite.

Third-placed Tottenham are also riding high, while Aston Villa will hope to maintain a challenge as well having got themselves into a great position last term, only to throw it away in a dismal final 10 games.

Such a disastrous finale is unlikely to happen again, which Hughes senses has led to a twitchiness amongst the high and mighty, which just makes them even more vulnerable.

"There are some good teams in the Premier League this year," said Hughes.

"There is a focus on ourselves because we have the ambition to have a good season. But the fact there is a threat to the teams who have had those top four places is adding extra pressure.

"You just sense maybe that feeling of invincibility is no longer there. Other teams think they can take points off them."

He added: "There are two or three teams who quietly think they can get into the top four.

"They don't broadcast it so they keep themselves under the radar. We can't help but be one of the teams people think should be in the top four. We have to deal with that anyway. I just think this year has the potential to be as open as it has ever been because the top four teams will drop points.

"That has been evident at the beginning of the season and I think it will continue. It is good for the Premier League."