Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri responded to his critics after an influential display in Manchester City's vital but controversial win over title rivals Tottenham.

Nasri has been unable to command a regular starting place in City's star-studded side since his £24million switch from Arsenal but has been angered by suggestions the move was motivated by financial gain.

And while the main talking point from City's 3-2 victory over Spurs centred on the actions of match-winner Mario Balotelli, the France midfielder feels he made 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."

A cagey game was transformed by Nasri's powerful first-time strike in the 56th minute.

Three more goals followed in the next nine minutes as Joleon Lescott bundled in a City second, Defoe pounced on a Stefan Savic mistake to reply and Gareth Bale curled a stunning equaliser.

Nasri said "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 Defoe agonisingly close to turning in a Bale cross at the far post in the dying moments.

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."