Etihad Stadium

Manchester City 2-2 Tottenham Hotspurs: Match Report & Player Ratings

  • City drew 2-2 against Spurs in a match both teams needed to win in order to maintain pressure on Chelsea in the title race
  • Title rivals United drew and Liverpool lost in the day’s earlier matches
  • City's new signing, Gabriel Jesus, got first run out in new team

There were two changes for the hosts as Kolarov and Sane came in for City, whilst Alderweireld re-joined the Tottenham defence.

The first real chance came seven minutes in as some quick passing allowed De Bruyne to put Sterling through, but he opted not to shoot on his left and the chance was gone as his cross was deflected.

City fans on their way to Etihad Stadium
City fans on their way to Etihad stadium

This gave City confidence as they increased their pressure on Tottenhan, as Wimmer was booked as he lost the ball to Zabaleta and took him down, then Eric Dier was booked shortly after.

The game evened out and shortly before the 30 minute mark, Spurs changed to a 3 man midfield with Dembele central which meant they enjoyed more possession and looked more threatening as a result.

In the final seconds of the first half, Kolarov picked up a yellow as he brought down an anonymous Harry Kane near the centre circle as the half drew to a close.

City had the better chances in an even half where Lloris was forced in to two notable saves, yet both manager looked frustrated as the teams left the pitch.

As the second half commenced, Son emerged for spurs as he replaced Kevin Wimmer.

Three minutes in to the second half, the game came to life when a long ball over the top to Sane was missed completely by Lloris which allowed the German to slot home in a moment that Lloris will not want to see again.

Tempers began to rise as spurs looked for a way straight back in, as Ali and Otamendi clashed which saw the pair booked.

Lloris however stole the spotlight again with another blunder as he spilt a tame Sterling cross and De Bruyne was on hand to slot away.

The game was far from over though, as the third goal in nine minutes came from Tottenham’s Dele Ali as he met Kyle Walkers cross to half the deficit.

62 minutes in, Harry Winks came on for Alderweireld as he picked up a knock which forced spurs in to their second substitution.

After 75 minutes, Sterling was set free by a great ball by Kolarov and Sterling didn’t go down under the nudge which would have undoubtedly brought a penalty, and it ended up being a routine save for Lloris.

One minute later, Spurs were level as Kane laid off Son to tuck it away in to the bottom corner, much to the dismay of the City fans.

Spurs proceeded to make their final change with Sissoko replacing Dembele for the restart, and shortly after Gabriel Jesus made his debut by replacing Sterling.

Jesus made an instant impact coming close with a looping header, and he thought he’d scored but it was ruled offside in a frantic first few minutes for the debutant.

John Stones replaced Gael Clichy late and Delph replaced David Silva as the game petered out to a draw which meant both teams dropped points as City will certainly have felt hard done by. On the weekend, City will travel to Crystal Palace next whereas next up Spurs host Wycombe in their respective fourth round FA cup ties.

Player Ratings:

Man City

Bravo – (6)

Otamendi – (5.5)

Kolarov – (6.5)

Clichy – (6)

Zabaleta – (7.5)

Yaya Toure – (6)

Leroy Sane – (8.5)

De Bruyne – (8)

David Silva – (8)

Sterling – (7.5)

Aguero – (6.5)

Subs

Gabriel Jesus – (7)

Stones – (5.5)

Delph – (N/A)

Spurs

Lloris – (4)

Walker – (6.5)

Wimmer – (4.5)

Dier – (6)

Alderweireld – (6)

Rose – (6.5)

Wanyama – (5.5)

Dembele – (7)

Eriksen – (5.5)

Alli – (6.5)

Kane – (5)

Subs

Son – (7)

Winks – (6)

Sissoko – (6)