Manchester City looked back to their brilliant best for 45 minutes as they dominated Tottenham Hotspur in every facet, before Pep Guardiola’s side held on for dear life after the break to secure a much-needed 1-0 victory in north London on Wednesday.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0-1 MANCHESTER CITY - Highlights, recap & analysis
Erling Haaland bagged his 20th Premier League goal of the season after just 12 minutes and the four-time defending champions should have been 3-0 ahead by halftime. After the restart, however, it was more of the same problems for Man City, for whom no lead has looked truly safe this season. Three points in the end, though, and they’re back up to 4th in the table, three points clear for (what we presume to be) a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Pep Guardiola reaction — What did Man City boss say after narrowly beating Spurs?
“Really happy for the victory and the three points because we need it. The second half was open because we didn’t close the game in the first half. We had too many clear chances and for the quality that we have, you have to convert. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. We knew the second half would be more difficult and we would suffer, but we did it. They guys fought a lot and I’m really pleased because here [at Tottenham Hotspur stadium] is always a difficult, difficult place to come.”
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“The wingers again — Savinho and Jeremy [Doku] — have been outstanding. … He [Doku] is a threat in the final third and makes an incredible assist for the goal. In football when one player dribbles at another player, you open the space and everything.”
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“It’s not easy. We’ve won just three times in this stadium in eight or nine years, so it has been tough. I know how good they are. Listen, this is one of the best type of squads I have seen, the manager is exceptional. … They are a fantastic team, so I am really pleased for the victory today.”
