The four best matches against Manchester City in the Premier League era
Manchester City is currently dominating the Premier League. They have won the past two league titles and are favourites to […]
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Manchester City is currently dominating the Premier League. They have won the past two league titles and are favourites to win three consecutive titles.
Tottenham Hotspur travels to the Etihad this weekend in a fixture that will certainly challenge Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. Their second-half display against Aston Villa last weekend should give Spurs confidence ahead of Manchester City.
However, if they are to beat the champions, then they must put in a 90-minute effort.
Perhaps if they look back at their recent meetings, most notably in the Champions League last season, they may find some extra confidence to get them over the line.
Tottenham and Manchester City have had some memorable matches over the years. So ahead of this weekend’s clash between the two, we reflect on some of the best in the Premier League era.
14th February 2016 – Etihad Stadium
The clash between the two clubs in February 2016 was the last time that Spurs won at the Etihad Stadium.
Heading into the match, Manchester City had just come off a 1-3 defeat at home to Leicester City. As for Spurs, they had been victorious in their last four Premier League matches.
Spurs strong run of form had positioned them second in the table, whilst Manchester City held third.
Harry Kane opened the scoring for both sides in the match, netting a goal from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute.
City equalised in the 74th minute thanks to a goal from Kelechi Iheanacho. But Spurs responded just nine minutes later when Erik Lamela played a through ball to Christian Eriksen who found the back of the net.
The result demoted City to fourth place, whilst Spurs looked to cement their place in the top two.
26th September 2015 – White Hart Lane
Spurs four-goal hammering of Manchester City in 2015 was the club’s biggest win against them since 2009 when they won 3-0.
The match started in City’s hands when Kevin De Bruyne scored in the 25th minute to put City 0-1 up.
But on the cusp of half time, Eric Dier equalised for Spurs. By the 50th minute, the match was turned around. Toby Alderweireld scored for the first time in his Spurs career, putting them 2-1 up.
The pressure continued to mount for City, who conceded two more goals at the hands of Harry Kane and Erik Lamela who ensured the three points would go to Spurs.
Peter Crouch Match – 2010
At the time, this match was arguably one of Spurs best victories.
Heading into the match, Champions League qualification was on the line. Both Manchester City and Spurs were jostling for fourth place in the league table.
Spurs had never qualified for the newly branded UEFA Champions League. The last time Spurs had played in Europe’s elite competition was in 1962, when it was known as the European Cup.
The match itself was goalless until Peter Crouch headed a ball into the net in the 82nd minute in front of the away end.
The goal sparked scenes of delirium amongst the travelling supporters, who knew that the club was on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League.
The match was the second last of the season and was also their final win of the season before being defeated by Burnley on the final day.
2019 Champions League Quarter Final – Home Leg
Arguably, the Champions League quarter-final fixtures between City and Spurs were the most memorable in recent years.
When the draw was released, it was fair to say that Spurs fans didn’t rate their chances highly. Recent matches against Man City had ended in defeat and City looked prime to win their second league title in a row.
The first leg was played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – its first taste of Champions League football. The atmosphere was second to none.
Manchester City nearly opened the scoring just over 10 minutes in but was denied when Sergio Aguero’s penalty was saved by Hugo Lloris.
Harry Kane limped off with an ankle injury during the second half, and all seemed gloomy for Spurs. But the pendulum shifted just over 70 minutes in when Son Heung-min kept the ball alive and put the ball in the back of the net to put Spurs 1-0 up.
2019 Champions League Quarter Final – Away Leg
Tottenham travelled to the Etihad Stadium without their leading marksman Harry Kane. But this proved to be no issue for them.
Whilst Spurs had the advantage heading into the game, everyone knew the danger that City posed when playing at home. City scored within five minutes thanks to a wonder strike by Raheem Sterling.
It was the one thing that Spurs did not want – an early goal conceded. However, they quickly recovered when the hero from the first leg, Son Heung-min, nipped one past Ederson to equalise the game and put Spurs 2-1 up on aggregate.
Just minutes later, Son curled one into the top corner of the net after Lucas Moura snatched the ball from Aymeric Laporte further up the pitch.
By half time Man City led the game 3-2 but Spurs had the away goals advantage.
City’s main man Sergio Aguero fired one past Hugo Lloris at the near post in the 59th minute, which put them ahead for the first time in the tie.
If Spurs were to progress, they’d have to score again – and they did just that.
The infamous goal from Fernando Llorente’s hip put Spurs back ahead in the tie following a lengthy VAR review.
The away end erupted, but it short lasted as City looked to find the winner.
Late in stoppage time, Christian Eriksen gave away the ball in Spurs own half. The ball came to Aguero, who passed to Sterling, who tucked the ball away past Lloris to seemingly send Manchester City on their way to the semi-finals.
But a VAR goal check found that Aguero was offside in the lead-up, and the goal was disallowed.
Spurs went on to progress to the Champions League final, where they were eventually downed by Liverpool. Regardless, that magical night against City will always find a place in Spurs fans hearts.
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