Hernández and Džeko deadly from the dugout

A pattern is developing among Manchester's Premier League challengers, which was at its most noticeable this weekend, as once again both Manchester United FC and Manchester City FC came from behind to claim three points.

Even more striking is that, not for the first time, the decisive efforts came from Javier Hernández and Edin Džeko, who are making a habit of scoring crucial goals as substitutes. Hernández was introduced at half-time against Aston Villa FC, when the Red Devils were 1-0 down, and scored twice either side of a Ron Vlaar own goal to inspire a 3-2 victory.

The following day, Džeko volleyed in an 88th-minute winner for City against Tottenham Hotspur FC a quarter-hour after coming off the bench. The Premier League champions had also been trailing until midway through the second half.

Hernández's double came just two weeks after he came on to score the decider in United's 3-2 triumph over then league leaders Chelsea FC. "It felt unbelievable to score the winner," said the Mexican striker after the victory at Villa Park. "When I go on I am told to do my best, to do the things I have been doing in my last few games and on the training ground as well. In the history of Manchester United, we never want to give up until the end. The game is for 90 minutes and you need to play until the last minute."

While the United man is relishing his role, his City counterpart is refusing to be labelled a mere impact player, despite yet another match-winning performance from the bench. Five of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian international's six league strikes have come as a replacement, including winners against West Bromwich Albion FC, Fulham FC and now Spurs.

"At the moment I come on and score – it is just a coincidence," said Džeko on Sunday. "My goals are talking for me and that is the message. The manager is there to pick the team and I'm there when the team need me, but I was never a super sub even before I came to Manchester City."