Manchester City pinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday night, with Erling Haaland marking his return to the side by netting his 20th league goal of the season.
The result lifts Man City back above Chelsea and into the top four, while Tottenham fail to reclaim 12th spot back from Crystal Palace as they remain 13th in the table.
Manchester City were by far the better side in the first 45 minutes, repeatedly cutting through Tottenham's defence with ease, highlighted by Haaland's opening goal just 12 minutes into his return to the side, and they could have scored more with several other big chances, all while limiting Spurs to just two shots with a strong and organized defensive display.
Ange Postecoglou must have delivered some choice words during the half-time break, as his side came out reinvigorated in the second half, but despite piling the pressure on Manchester City, the visitors were able to cling on to their lead as the game ultimately ended 1-0 in their favour, though the night ended on a slight sour note for Haaland, who was controversially denied a second in the final moments due to a handball.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
It was certainly a different style of performance than we have become accustomed to from Pep Guardiola's Man City, particularly in the second half as they often defended deep in their own half and aimed to spring rapid counterattacks, but the victory is all that matters come the full-time whistle.
While their lack of control in the second half may be a slight concern for the City boss, the result was ultimately all that mattered as the visitors continue to fight for form and a place in the top four.
As for Spurs, it is another unconvincing performance from Postecoglou's side, who were once again far too easy to play against for much of the game, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.
Despite encouraging performances from several players, most notably Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, another defeat will see the pressure mount even further on Postecoglou's role at the club.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Erling Haaland goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12th min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City)
Back with a bang 💥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 26, 2025
Erling Haaland returns to the Manchester City team to sweep home to put his side ahead 1-0 in the capital ⚽️
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/m6vvj6TJOX
Man City take the lead, Haaland back in the team and back amongst the goals!
The Citizens have control of the ball inside the Tottenham half and play it out wide to Jeremy Doku on the left wing, and the winger charges towards the box.
The winger stands up his marker and plays a cross towards the back post, where a deflection kindly guides it to Haaland, who makes no mistakes as he finishes into the near corner.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JEREMY DOKU
© Imago
Haaland may have been the difference maker in Man City's triumph, but they could not have done it without the trickery and threat provided from Doku throughout the 90 minutes, particularly in the first 45.
The skilful winger got the assist for the only goal of the game, picking out Haaland inside the area after positively driving into the Tottenham box, while he also created another big chance and made two more key passes.
Doku has sometimes faced criticism for his lack of end product, but his constant determination to take players on has always been praised, and today was no different, completing four dribbles in a superb performance.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPURC VS. MANCHESTER CITY MATCH STATS
Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 55%-45% Manchester City
Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 11-12 Manchester City
Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 6-8 Manchester City
Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 8-3 Manchester City
Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 12-15 Manchester City
BEST STATS
Erling Haaland becomes just the second player in Premier League HISTORY, after Harry Kane to score 10+ goals both home & away in three separate seasons 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ObAVFv6mgW
— LiveScore (@livescore) February 26, 2025
20 - Erling Haaland is only the second player ever to score 20+ goals in each of his first three Premier League seasons, after Ruud van Nistelrooy from 2001-02 to 2003-04. Standards. pic.twitter.com/MkhRTaqu7L
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 26, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Tottenham will briefly depart their home ground as they travel to face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, followed by home fixtures against Bournemouth in the Premier League and the second leg of their European matchup.
After crashing out of the Champions League, Man City's attention will remain solely on domestic competitions, starting with an FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle and followed by facing Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Ellis Stevens
