Carlos Tevez's free-kick ultimately proved decisive after Emmanuel Adebayor had inadvertently put Chelsea in front, then cancelled out that own goal himself seven minutes before the interval.

Given then saved a Frank Lampard penalty to keep City in front.

The Republic of Ireland international told ESPN: "It's been seven or eight games since a victory in the league. It's especially nice against Chelsea, a top team with great players.

"We have only lost one game all season, and that was very late (against Manchester United) at Old Trafford, so I think we are doing all right."

mfl

Adebayor claimed the spirit in the City camp was high again following their midweek Carling Cup win over Arsenal.

He said: "The confidence is back in the team. We just have to believe in ourselves."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was unhappy City's opening goal was allowed to stand, claiming Micah Richards should have been penalised for handball in the build-up.

He said: "We are disappointed, it was a tough game. We lost, but that can happen.

"We were unlucky for the first goal, the handball against Micah Richards. It was not a good day for the referee."

City manager Mark Hughes was full of praise for his side.

"I thought we were magnificent from start to finish," he said on ESPN. "We got off to the worst possible start, very unlucky with the goal, but from that point onwards we took the fight to Chelsea

"Not many teams can come back against Chelsea. To show the character and quality that we did was a fantastic effort by everybody."

The Welshman had confidence in Given to save Lampard's penalty.

"You always fancy him to get a big hand on it," he said.