Manchester City vs. Blackburn: 5 Reasons Blues Are Better Without Carlos Tevez

Manchester City has been a breeding ground for headline material in the past few weeks thanks to the club's good form in the Premier League, its struggles in Europe and the seemingly endless controversy with the out-of-favor Carlos Tevez.

City put up four goals against Rovers, all in the second half and en route to a 4-0 result, while continuing its unbeaten streak seven match days into the 2011 campaign.

In those seven fixtures, Tevez has made just three appearances, including one start.

It is evident that the Argentine has fallen out of contention for a regular place in the first eleven selection. And although the club has a great deal of upcoming fixtures between domestic and international cup competitions, it appears Tevez simply is not in Roberto Mancini's plans.

Here are five reasons why City is better without its former captain.

Sergio Aguero

Brush aside the fact that Aguero picked up an injury on Saturday.

All things considered, Aguero and Tevez have very similar roles and skill sets in regards to City's attacking formation. Aside from their small statures, both can play off or on the ball, provide creative chances and finish with the best of them.

While Aguero doesn't have that strength and determination that Tevez so effortlessly displayed, the former Atletico man can bring better agility to the pitch.

Their form is equal, Aguero and Tevez are virtually interchangeable.

Dzkeo and Balotelli

As good of a striker that Tevez has been for City, he has always lacked that intimidating presence that a traditional striker naturally maintains—height.

Combining strength, height and power makes for an intimidating presence in the attacking third.

When Tevez was the target man up front, City was largely one-dimensional in open play, keeping the ball grounded to take advantage of the wherewithal on the pitch. At the same time, City faced problems against opposition with big central defenders.

With Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli, City is able to run more conventional attacking pieces, thereby presenting a more balanced front through the ground and through the air.

Although neither have that same tenacity as Tevez, both are traditional forwards with great abilities in their own right.

Additionally, Dzeko and Balotelli have proven to be reliable in creating chances for others. 

Less Distraction

There are headlines praising City's form, and there are headlines about Tevez.

As simple as it may sound, the elimination of Tevez dissolves a great deal of distraction.

City has shown great scoring form, especially domestically, even without its former captain.

Why deviate now and increase his minutes?

A roster full of internationals haven't created much of a problem, outside of Tevez, lending an argument that everyone else contributes to a successful club. 

Balance

When Tevez was the focal point for City last season, the offense ran through the Argentine. He would often split time between a center forward's position, roam free in the attacking third to alleviate pressure in the midfield, and a striker's position.

It wasn't uncommon to see City struggle, however, when Tevez kept to a striker's mentality.

With the rangy and creative playmakers in Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and David Silva, there is no need for a City striker to drop into the midfield area.

Instead, City's offense can maintain a balance between its midfielders and strikers.

Chemistry

Naturally, if Tevez isn't getting the lion's share of time with the rest of the squad, someone else will.

Simply put, the chemistry just isn't there between Tevez and the remaining City players.

Last season, Tevez and Silva had a tremendous rapport, but with the introduction of Nasri and Aguero, the Spaniard's comfort level has shifted towards the newcomers.

Dzeko has played often with that bunch. Balotelli is seeing his time increase with them as well.

Tevez is only 27 years old, but he looks like an old dog in a pack of young pups.