Manchester City’s 45-minute dominance was undone by Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling match at their new stadium. Erling Haaland scored his 20th Premier League goal, but it wasn’t enough to secure three points for the visitors.
City came into this game on the back of a concerning record, having lost just one game since October’s Carabao Cup defeat. However, Spurs were eager to prove themselves and showed plenty of aggression and pressing in the second half. Ange Postecoglou’s tactics paid off as his team created several chances, including the equalizing goal.
The big moment came at 98 minutes, when Pape Sarr headed over a Son Heung-min cross after a Pedro Porro flicked on it. City had been denied an early goal due to a VAR check that ruled out Erling Haaland’s attempt. The Spurs support was keenly aware of the fixture’s history, having won against City in league games at their rebuilt stadium before.
City dominated the first half but were unable to capitalize on chances created by players like Jérémy Doku and Savinho. However, in the second half, Spurs found their rhythm, playing with pace and slickness. Manchester City wobbled under the pressure, but it was too late for them to equalize.
After a disastrous start to his season due to injury, Postecoglou’s introduction of Sarr, Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson made a significant difference in the second half. The Spurs team showed great strength, and Manchester City were left to wonder where their dominant first 45 minutes had gone.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/feb/26/tottenham-manchester-city-premier-league-match-report