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Manchester City survived a first-half scare to seal a dramatic win over Antonio Conte’s men on Thursday night.
Manchester City came back from two goals down to beat Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League clash at the Etihad on Thursday night.
City needed a response after losing to arch-rivals Manchester United on Saturday. It looked like their misery would continue after Spurs took a two-goal lead at half time but Pep Guardiola bounced back in the second half to keep their chances of retaining their Premier League title alive.
How it happened
The home side went into the game knowing they needed to win to stay in touch with leaders Arsenal in the title race. City were eight points behind the Gunners going into the match and could not afford any slip-up.
The champions started on the front foot, as expected, dominating possession in the early stages of the game. But despite their dominance City could not break down a well-organised Tottenham defence.
Guardiola’s men threat on goal came from corner kicks but Spurs defended very well. City’s failure to to create clear chances eventually came back to haunt them as Antonio Conte’s men took the lead against the run of play.
The Lilywhites took the lead in the 39th minute as Dejan Kulusevski capitalised on a mistake at the back before firing into the net. The goal left City shocked, but just as they tried to regroup, Spurs doubled their lead through Emerson Royale.
City's second half resurgence
The away side took a two-goal lead into the break after the Brazilian headed into the top corner past Ederson in City’s goal. The champions were booed off by their fans at half-time but it fired them up following the restart as they pulled one back immediately through Julian Alvarez.
The World Cup winner riled home a loose ball from Mahrez’s cross to put City back in the game. Mahrez was Spurs nemesis, and he was at it again as it set up Erling Haaland to restore parity for the champions.
The Algerian international then completed the comeback for City as his right-footed shot was deflected past Hugo Lloris at his near post.
Mahrez was not done, though, as he scored his second and City’s fourth in the 90th minute. The former Leicester City robbed Clement Lenglet off the ball before going ahead to slot home and complete a dramatic comeback for City.
Talking point
Mahrez will definitely take all the headlines as he was involved in all City’s goals, providing two assists and scoring two. This win puts City back in the title race. Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, although the Gunners have a game in hand.
Next up for City is a clash against Wolves on Sunday while Spurs travel to Fulham on Monday night.
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