Manchester City secured an important victory over Tottenham Hotspur, strengthening their chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top four. Erling Haaland marked his return with an early goal, and despite a second-half surge from Spurs, Pep Guardiola’s side held on for the win.
City take control early
The visitors started the match on the front foot and found the breakthrough in the 12th minute. Jeremy Doku delivered a low cross into the box, where Haaland, left unmarked, calmly slotted a side-footed effort into the bottom corner.
City had opportunities to double their advantage, with Savinho wasting a clear chance when Doku set him up at the back post. The Brazilian’s shot bounced into the ground and over the crossbar, letting Tottenham off the hook. Meanwhile, Spurs struggled to trouble Ederson, who was only called into action just before halftime, tipping Kevin Danso’s header over the bar.
City nearly capitalized on the resulting counterattack, but Matheus Nunes failed to pick out Omar Marmoush, who was in a promising position at the back post.
Spurs rally in the second half
After a dominant first 45 minutes from City, Tottenham responded with a much-improved performance in the second half. Wilson Odobert forced Ederson into a difficult save after his deflected shot nearly looped over the goalkeeper.
Mathys Tel had a golden chance to level the score but mishit his finish when clean through on goal. Substitute Pape Sarr also missed a great opportunity, slicing his shot wide after a well-worked move.
The introductions of Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min added more energy to Tottenham’s attack, with Son almost equalizing following a swift counter. However, Ederson once again denied the South Korean forward with a crucial save.
Guardiola acknowledged his team’s struggles after the break, explaining, “The game was open in the second half because we didn’t finish it in the first. In this stadium, they always have 20 to 25 minutes where they put you under pressure.”
City holds on despite late drama
Haaland thought he had secured a second goal in stoppage time, muscling past two Spurs defenders before finding the net. However, referee Jarred Gillett ruled that the Norwegian had handled the ball. A VAR check was inconclusive, meaning the on-field decision stood.
Spurs nearly made City pay immediately, with Sarr heading over from their final chance of the game. Despite the late pressure, City held firm, moving up to fourth place in the table while Tottenham remained in 13th.
Signs of progress for both teams
Manchester City displayed some of their best football in recent weeks, particularly in the first half. Guardiola’s tactical adjustments, including playing Nico Gonzalez in an advanced role alongside Mateo Kovacic, helped City dictate play effectively. Their left side proved a major attacking outlet, with Doku, Gonzalez, and Josko Gvardiol combining well to create chances.
Despite City’s dominance, finishing remained an issue, leaving them vulnerable to a late Tottenham comeback. However, defensive performances from Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov, along with Ederson’s key saves, ensured they avoided dropping points.
On the other hand, Spurs’ improved second-half display suggested positives for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Danso and Son came close to scoring, and the team’s intensity increased even before the introduction of Son, Kulusevski, and Djed Spence. Postecoglou noted that while his team finished strongly, their sloppiness in possession early on allowed City to take control.
With key players like Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Cristian Romero nearing returns from injury, Spurs could still finish the season on a strong note.
