Both sides went into this one with similarly poor form - City having lost their last two (first away to Southampton in the EFL Cup then on the road against Manchester United in the derby), and Tottenham had matched that against Villa and Arsenal. As a result, both were desperate to refind form in what promised to be a tough test for both sets of players.
City rue missed chances
Guardiola had clearly instilled a sense of urgency into his players before coming out, as they were immediately on the front foot, keeping Spurs pegged back in their own half for most of the opening period. Relentless pressure from Pep's squad is something we have become all too accostumed to over the last few seasons, as pressing their opponents into submission has contributed into their recent domination in English football.
And this tactic served them well for the most part in the opening forty-five, as they looked threatening whenever Grealish or Mahrez were released out of their midfield shackles. The latter had a couple of free-kicks to try his luck from, but the main bulk of his contributions were from the repeated corners which City were unable to benefit from.
Tottenham were not going to let themselves get beat without a fight, however, and came into their own in first-half stoppage time. Conte's men first went ahead after a defensive blunder City will not want to resee - Rodri was dispossessed after an Ederson pass and Kulusevski calmly slotted home from the edge of the box.
This lead was soon doubled after England captain Harry Kane hassled down the right flank, and managed to get a shot off. Ederson initially blocked his effort while Emerson Royal was lying in wait to head it home. The away side's smash-and-grab had changed the game in the blink of an eye as Spurs took their chances as opposed to an arguably dominant City.
City on a mission
The home side were desperate to refind that form they had shown throughout the first part and they did that in abundance. As quick as Tottenham had found the lead, City had come back. First was the turn of recent World Cup winner Julian Alavarez as he gobbled up a fairly easy chance after a messy defensive effort from Spurs. Before the home fans had time to sit back down, Haaland had drawn things level. The Norwegian came in at the back post to head home a close-range chance, and end his recent goal drought.
Guardiola's side were, as expected, not content with the idea of just getting one point out the of tie though, and they relentlessly continued their search for a third. Sooner rather than later, their comeback was complete, this time courtesy of Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian danced into the box off the right wing, and carried on himself despite cries for a cross. He then proved his worth with a clinical goal buried into the bottom corner from a tight angle, sending the home fans into delirium.
City's energy going forward was still maintained even after the third, with Spurs only managing to get a couple of mediocre free-kicks. Despite the away side desperate to salvage something from their trip north, Guardiola proved his worth and his side remained defensively solid, balancing that with attacks when they had possession.
Conte's men did indeed insist on going for the point, which ultimately left them open at the back, much to City's delight. Late on in the day, Mahrez found himself in on goal unmarked, and all that was left to do was scoop it over a charging Lloris for 4-2 to complete an incredible second half performance. 'A game of two halves' has never been more applicable than for this one.
This result means City remain second, while Spurs find themselves fifth. Next up for the Cityzens is another home tie against Wolves, while Spurs are set to travel to Fulham.
January 19, 2023