Having come from behind against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League last time out, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City would be hoping for a more straightforward affair as they welcomed Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
MCI: Ederson; Gvardiol, Dias, Walker; Akanji, Rodri; Doku, Silva, Álvarez, Foden; Haaland
TOT: Vicario; Udogie, Davies, Emerson, Porro; Lo Celso, Bissouma; Gil, Kulusevski, Johnson; Son
Perhaps unexpectedly given the injury crisis that has struck Ange Postecoglou’s side in recent weeks, it was the visitors that took an early lead in East Manchester – with Son Heung-min latching onto Dejan Kulusevski’s sublime through ball to open the scoring after just six minutes.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut the South Korean would have the misfortune of levelling the match at the other end just 137 seconds later, diverting Julian Álvarez’s cross into his own net past a despairing Vicario.
With a little over thirty minutes on the matchday clock, Phil Foden struck to hurry the hosts into a half-time lead, taking a touch before firing past the Spurs ‘keeper after a period of lovely buildup play.
Yet against the run of play, and with just twenty minutes of regulation time remaining at the Etihad Stadium, Giovani Lo Celso levelled this enthralling match once more – with Son making amends for his earlier own goal as he found the Argentine midfielder in space on the edge of the box to curl past Ederson.
Embed from Getty ImagesTheir lead would last just twelve minutes though, with a dismal pass from Yves Bissouma allowing Erling Haaland – who had not looked his usual lethal self in front of goal – to pick out Jack Grealish with a cross. The England international made no mistake with the finish, sending the home crowd into raptures as they looked destined for another three points.
Kulusevski had other plans though, heading home from Brennan Johnson’s cross in the 90th minute to level this frenetic match yet again – but still, there would be time for further controversy in stoppage time.
Having seemingly signalled for City to play the advantage after a late challenge on Haaland, Simon Hooper inexplicably pulled the game back for a free-kick – just as Grealish had breached the Spurs defence and was bearing down on goal.
Haaland’s furious protests continued for the remainder of the match and he was incensed as he headed down the tunnel, as his side were forced to settle for a point in one of the most entertaining matches of the season thus far.
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City now sit three points off the top of the table ahead of their trip to Aston Villa in midweek, while Spurs return to North London as they prepare to host West Ham United. Ange Postecoglou’s men are currently fifth in the Premier League, a further three points behind City.
