Nasri happy to silence critics

Samir Nasri has admitted it was important for him to score against Tottenham after receiving criticism for his performances this season.

Man City midfielder pleased to show fans what he can do

Samir Nasri has admitted it was important for him to score against Tottenham after receiving criticism for his performances this season. The Frenchman has found it difficult to shine since making the move to Manchester City from Arsenal last summer and has not been able to command a regular starting place. There have even been suggestions that his decision to join City was motivated by financial gain, but he silenced the doubters on Sunday with an influential display in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Spurs. And while the main talking point from the game centred on the actions of match-winner Mario Balotelli, the France midfielder was happy to make a point by striking a superb opener. The 24-year-old said: "This goal is what I needed after everyone was talking. "I needed this to show everyone I am 100% with Man City. "I want to perform well and show everyone what I can do. "David (Silva) gave me a brilliant ball and after one touch, I scored and I was happy."

Crazy game

Sunday's result stretched City's lead over third-placed Tottenham to eight points, although Manchester United remain just three points off the pace after beating Arsenal. Nasri told City TV: "It was the kind of game that everyone wants to play. "It was a crazy game with two of the best teams in England. I think everyone loved with this game. "It was a good result for us and we are happy with our performance." Nasri was well aware the result could easily have gone the other way with Jermain Defoe agonisingly close to turning in a Gareth Bale cross at the far post just before Balotelli's winning penalty. The Frenchman said: "Seriously I had a doubt about it, I was scared. "I am used to playing against Tottenham, they are a team who react really well. "Last year with Arsenal we were winning 2-0 and they beat us 3-2, but I knew if we kept calm, played our football, we would score the third one because they leave too much space. That is what we did. "We didn't go forward too quickly because then you open some space for them and they play quickly up front. "We are happy with the result, that is the most important."