Premier League, Wembley Stadium - Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Eriksen 42') Manchester City 3 (Jesus 22', Gundogan pen 25', Sterling 72')
Manchester City put a difficult week behind them and edged closer to clinching the Premier League title by claiming a 3-1 win over Spurs at Wembley.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be officially crowned champions should Manchester United lose at home to West Brom on Sunday, but this was a win that all but saw them finish top of the pile. Mathematically, it might not be finalised, but they might as well tie the ribbons on the trophy now.
First half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan, who converted a controversial penalty, gave City a commanding 2-0 lead, with Spurs struggling to cope with the movement of the away side in the final third.
However, Spurs gave themselves a lifeline minutes from half time when Christian Eriksen bundled a finish past Ederson following a through ball from Harry Kane. That gave them some momentum for the start of the season half, but City held off their challenge to score a third and claim the win. One more victory will see them as Premier League champions. It’s just a matter of time.
TALKING POINT - This was about more than just the title for City
At half time, Man City found themselves in a familiar situation. They had dominated the first half, but had somehow allowed Spurs back into the game. The hosts emerged for the start of the second half with momentum, putting the Premier League table-toppers under severe pressure. Another collapse, like the ones that happened against Manchester United and Liverpool over the past week, was on the cards. But City showed their character to hit back and see the win out. This was about more than just edging closer to the title. This was about setting a precedent and underlining their supremacy to rivals who perhaps saw vulnerabilities.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
This wasn’t the complete performance from Sterling. His missed a number of golden opportunities, including one which saw him pass up a sitter, somehow shooting wide when the net was gaping. But his energy and drive was key in getting Man City in behind Spurs time and time again. Davinson Sanchez in particular couldn’t cope with the England international, with his movement pulling Spurs’ defence all over the place. He also got the goal his performance ultimately warranted.
PLAYER RATINGS
Spurs - Lloris 4, Trippier 6, Sanchez 5, Vertonghen 7, Davies 6, Dier 6, Dembele 7, Lamela 5, Eriksen 7, Dele 6, Kane 5. Subs - Son 6, Moura 5, Sissoko 4.
Manchester City - Ederson 6, Walker 6, Kompany 5, Laporte 6, Delph 6, Gundogan 7, De Bruyne 8, Silva 7, Sterling 8, Jesus 7, Sane 6. Subs - Otamendi 5, Silva 4.
KEY MOMENTS
4’ OFF THE POST! Inches away from being a spectacular opener for Man City! Sterling found Sane unmarked at the back post, with the German striking the shot on the volley. But he crashes his effort off the post!
22’ GOAL! Spurs 0-1 Manchester City: Route one football from Man City! Jesus gets on the end of a long ball from the back, getting in behind Sanchez to fire a low finish past Lloris. The Brazilian took that so well! He was onside. Great play from Jesus.
24’ PENALTY KICK TO MANCHESTER CITY! The referee has pointed to the spot, with Lloris taking out Sterling.
25’ GOAL! Spurs 0-2 Manchester City: The visitors have a two-goal lead at the national stadium! Gundogan steps up to the 12-yard mark and sends Lloris the wrong way, finding the corner of the Spurs net. City have a 2-0 advantage.
42’ GOAL! Spurs 1-2 Manchester City: Spurs have a lifeline in this game! Kane slides the pass into Eriksen, whose initial shot is saved. The rebound bounces back off him and into the back of the net. Great time to score!
64’ JESUS WAS THROUGH! Sanchez gets caught the wrong side of the Man City forward, with Jesus onside and through on goal. But he scuffs his left-footed shot wide of the target.
71’ HOW HASN'T HE SCORED?! Sterling has just missed a sitter. He took the touch around Lloris, but somehow allowed Trippier to make the challenge. The net was gaping! Wow.
73’ GOAL! Spurs 1-3 Manchester City: Sterling has made amends for his miss just moments ago, firing high into the roof of the net from close range after Lloris had parried Jesus' initial shot. That should be the points secure.
KEY STATS
Spurs conceded three goals in a Premier League home game for the first time since March 2015 (4-3 against Leicester City).
Christian Eriksen has scored in each of his last four appearances in all competitions for Spurs.
