Carlos Tevez believes it is imperative Manchester City maintain the level of performance which saw Chelsea demolished if a top-four place is to be achieved.

The Argentina striker scored a brace in the 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge to take his tally for the season to 21.

Next up are Sunderland on Sunday, and Tevez said: "We've been playing very well and we've had some great results against the top sides. But with the so-called weaker teams we have not done so well, not necessarily because we have not played so well, but because the result has not gone our way."

He added: "The thing now is for us to make sure we keep calling on the spirit that we showed at Chelsea and continue to play the way we are doing.

"We must show that same character and personality so that we can win the game at Sunderland and keep up our challenge for fourth place."

Tevez remains modest about his own impressive contribution since arriving from Manchester United in the summer.

He said: "Obviously it's important that I score goals, but I think it is more important for the group that the team plays well and continues to play well.

"As for working hard, if I don't score then I have to run after the ball and try to win it from the opposition. So that's a part of my game I have to concentrate on and try to do well."