Match Report and Player Ratings: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City returned to winning ways as they came out victorious in a hard-fought game against 13th-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening.

After a disappointing performance against leaders Liverpool, City needed to bounce back to keep their hopes of competing in the Champions League next season alive, and Guardiola’s side made a strong start against a Spurs side determined to continue their fine form.

The Blues wasted no time in testing Guglielmo Vicario out,thanks to a darting run made by Matheus Nunes to cut back to Erling Haaland, whose right-footed attempt in just the seventh minute lacked strong contact, allowing Spurs’ keeper to make a comfortable save.

Just five minutes later, Manchester City managed to find the breakthrough, and the Norwegian forward netted the opener on his return from injury. Jeremy Doku skipped past Pedro Porro before squaring the ball into Haaland, who made no mistake in cooly placing a shot inside the near post to register a 20th Premier League goal of the season.

With this goal, the Norwegian joined a prestigious club as he became only the second player in the history of the Premier League after Ruud van Nistelrooy to score 20 or more goals in each of his first three seasons in the English top-flight.

City continued to dictate the pace of the game, with Doku remaining the key figure in the Champions’ attacking play. The Belgian winger produced another moment of brilliance in curling a precise left-footed cross into the box, putting it on a plate for Savinho who had the golden opportunity to double the lead, but scuffed his effort and blazed his shot well over.

The Citizens were looking for a second goal on the half-hour mark, with another well-worked move shifted brilliantly across the penalty area to Doku, who tee’d up Haaland. This time, Vicario was prepared for the striker’s effort, making a crucial save to keep the North London side in the game.

Despite an impressive first half showing, Ange Postecoglu’s team eventually had a rare sight of goal just before the half time whistle. Porro’s threatening free-kick found Kevin Danso, who rose above the Blues’ defence to aim a looping header towards goal, forcing Ederson into action.

Tottenham came out with a new energy following the interval, constantly pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their first real chance came just short of the hour mark through Porro, who fizzed in a low ball right across the face of City’s goal, but no Spurs player was there to apply the finishing touch.

Spurs continued to pile on pressure, with Kevin Danso powering another header towards goal, although this time it was a much more comfortable save for Ederson. A minute later, ‘The Lilywhites’ came even closer when Wilson Odobert cut inside and let fly, only for his effort to take a deflection and be tipped over by City’s number 31.

The reigning champions were struggling to gain control of the second half as Spurs intensely pressed, with Djed Spence proving to be a thorn in makeshift right back, Matheus Nunes’ side. Pep Guardiola responded with reinforcements in the form of Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden in place of Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush in an attempt to regain control of the game.

Despite the substitutions, Spurs nearly found their breakthrough after 75 minutes with Josko Gvardiol missing a challenge, allowing Brennan Johnson to run free. The winger clipped the ball into Dejan Kulusevski, but his touch let him down, allowing Ederson to pick up the pieces.

Deep into stoppage time, Erling Haaland thought he had doubled City’s lead and sealed the Blues three points after muscling past Danso and Archie Gray to slot home. However, a lengthy VAR review disallowed the strike for handball, much to the frustration of the City striker.

The match had one final dramatic moment in the eighth minute of additional time with Dejan Kulusevski charging down the wing and delivering a cross to Son, who flicked it on to Pape Sarr. The Senegalese was left unmarked in the box but sent a header over the bar with the last attack of the game.

Manchester City ultimately held on for a 0-1 victory, securing a vital three points in their race for Champions League football despite a second-half improvement from Tottenham Hotspur. Here is how rated Pep Guardiola’s players in their gritty win in North London!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Ederson – 8.5 (MOTM)

The Brazilian was outstanding, making crucial saves that proved vital in the Blues’ victory whilst also showcasing his world-class composure with the ball at his feet. His best performance in a while.

Matheus Nunes – 6

Manchester City’s number 27 found himself in some good positions and made some positive runs in the first half, however, his end product was inconsistent and he struggled defensively in the second half.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 8

The January signing is rapidly growing into one of Manchester City’s stand-out defenders, putting his shaky debut further behind him with another composed performance at the back.

Ruben Dias – 7

The Citizens captain rarely put a foot wrong. His performance alongside Abdukodir Khusanov was commanding and leaves Manchester City fans with excitement surrounding the pair for the future.

Josko Gvardiol – 6

The Croatian had a solid outing at left-back, contributing well defensively, but sometimes could have been more composed under pressure.

Nico Gonzalez – 6

Our Deadline Day recruit looked very in place in the Manchester City team once again, moving the ball efficiently and helping control possession before being substituted after 74 minutes.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

The midfielder kept things ticking in midfield throughout the game with his composed passing and ball retention, while also putting in some strong challenges to help City maintain control for most of the game.

Omar Marmoush – 5

Manchester City’s new number seven struggled to make a significant impact, finding it difficult to influence our attack before being replaced by Phil Foden.

Jeremy Doku – 7.5

Doku was electric in the first half, constantly tormenting Pedro Porro with his direct dribbling, but he faded after the break and struggled to make the same impact.

Savinho – 5

Savinho had a frustrating outing, missing a golden opportunity to extend City’s lead and failing to make the impact fans now expect from the Brazilian winger.

Erling Haaland – 8

The Norwegian forward marked his return with the game’s only goal and impressed with his link-up play, showcasing his strength and sharp movement despite his recent absence due to injury.

Substitutes

Phil Foden – 6

The England international came on in the 74th minute and looked composed under pressure, moving the ball well in midfield in what was a steady cameo.

Bernardo Silva – 5

Was unable to really influence things but also didn’t do anything wrong.

Jack Grealish – N/A

The English winger only played a few minutes so was unable to showcase his ability in that short time frame.

James McAtee – N/A

Similar to Jack Grealish, McAtee came on in the 90th minute and only had the one touch.

Ilkay Gundogan – N/A

The 34-year-old was also given a short amount of time on the pitch, registering zero touches after being subbed on in the 94th minute.