It is an accolade Tevez should cherish given that the former European Cup winner got a few vital goals himself in his playing career.

The Argentina international was an unstoppable force, certainly in the first half, against West Brom when he scored a quick-fire hat-trick on his 27th birthday.

That took his tally in the 3-0 victory to 20 goals for the season, 18 in the Barclays Premier League.

The fans have certainly taken him to their hearts and he was afforded a standing ovation near the end when Shaun Wright-Phillips replaced him.

City assistant manager Kidd said: "Carlos was tremendous again. You know what you get with him. Every time the bell rings he is out there.

"He is a first class, fantastic player. He is a nuisance to centre halves. He never stops, he never gives them a minute's rest.

"He leads by example. That's why he was made captain. He has been fantastic since he's been at the club."

Two of Tevez's goals came from the penalty spot to leave West Brom reeling.

The skipper saw a shot come back off the post in the fourth minute before making the breakthrough 13 minutes later with Steven Reid punished for barging Aleksandar Kolarov. Tevez sent Boaz Myhill the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Tevez extended their lead in the 22nd minute after skipping into the area following a one-two with David Silva before finding the corner with his effort.

He then completed his hat-trick in the 36th minute with his second penalty of the game after Jerome Thomas, for reasons known only to himself, handled in the area. Tevez stepped up and this time sent his effort high over Myhill.

The result was just the boost City were looking for ahead of the derby against Manchester United on Saturday, especially as the leaders' unbeaten run came to an end at Wolves.

And with Tevez and Kidd returning to Old Trafford, the game has added impetus.

These are exciting times at Eastlands with City well placed in the table and also involved in the Europa League and the FA Cup.

Kidd said: "You would rather have it like that as it shows you are doing something right. The more success you have the more games you are going to get.

"The derby is well set up. Form goes out the window. We've had some great games recently. It will be a cracker."

Kidd, however, has played down City's chances of claiming the crown.

He added: "It is still a work in progress for us. We want to get into the top four. That has been our aim since the start of the season. We are not straying from that."

West Brom had chances of their own and Marc-Antoine Fortune should have pulled a goal back in the second half but found the side netting instead with his effort.

But it was not enough to save manager Roberto Di Matteo - who was sacked after a run of seven defeats in nine league matches.