Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala was a rock in defence against Tottenham on Sunday and he has partly credited teammate Joe Hart for his recent run of form in the first team.

The 24-year old French centre-back copped a lot of criticism for his performances earlier this season but an injury to captain Vincent Kompany provided an opportunity which Mangala has taken it with both hands in front of goalkeeper Joe Hart and alongside Martin Demichelis.

Mangala said of his recent form: "I enjoy playing with Joe - he is good goalkeeper, and it's important to have someone like him. We have great respect for what he does.

He added: "Joe is a good guy - he talked to me right through the game, and off the pitch he is a good captain like Vincent. He has helped me a lot. I have found things so different here but Joe has helped me a lot."