After a weak first half, Tottenham Hotspur came back from a 0-2 deficit against Manchester City. Solanke scored a spectacular equalizer.
The Spurs, who had not won in their last five league games but had won 2-0 in Frankfurt in the Champions League during the week, once again had to deal with injury concerns. While the injured Spence and Danso were completely absent, Odobert and Sarr moved to the bench. Dragusin, Gallagher, Bissouma, and Solanke started instead.
After their 2-0 win over Galatasaray, the visitors had set themselves the goal of reducing the gap to leaders Arsenal to four points. In addition to winter signings Guehi and Semenyo, Pep Guardiola also called Rodri into the starting lineup. Aké and Marmoush took their places on the bench, while Doku was forced to sit out due to injury.
Spurs defense beaten early
Tottenham opted for a back five against the ball, but this proved to be vulnerable early on. After Semenyo was initially denied by Vicaro (2nd minute), Cherki took advantage of a careless mistake by Bissouma and shot the ball into the far corner with a slight deflection (11th minute).
ManCity did mainly what was necessary—and that was enough against the weak hosts. Meanwhile, the North Londoners were at least lucky that neither Haaland (18th minute) nor Cherki (23rd minute) followed up with a second goal for the visitors.
ManCity accepts the next gift
The final minutes of the first half were symbolic of the tough first half, with the Citizens accepting another gift from Spurs. Following a failed long ball from Dragusin, Semenyo scored completely unchallenged from Bernardo Silva’s assist (44′).
There was an almost eerie atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which Xavi could have livened up with a free kick from a promising position. However, his low shot shortly before the break ended up in the arms of Donnarumma (45+4).
Controversial goal for the hosts
The home side came out of the dressing room without their captain, although Romero, who replaced Sarr, had not appeared to be injured before the break. Frank’s team got off to a better start after the break and Udogie came close to scoring the equalizer. Donnarumma deflected the powerful left-footed shot over the bar (51′).
Two minutes later, however, the City keeper was beaten when the ball bounced over the line off Guehi’s shin.
From the referees’ point of view, there was no foul by Solanke, who had decisively hit the defender’s leg. A controversial decision.
However, this 1-2 score gave both the crowd and the home team the much-needed energy that ultimately resulted in an absolute dream goal: after a cross from Gallagher, Solanke performed a scorpion kick and directed the ball over Donnarumma into the net with his right foot stretched backwards (70′).
The final phase saw notable opportunities for both sides, but no further goals. While Donnarumma saved a curling shot from Xavi (75′), Sarr made a decisive block against Haaland (82′). Shortly afterwards, Reijnders (84′) and Odobert (86′) were also unable to avert the late draw.
Spurs, who are away to ManUnited next Saturday (1:30 p.m.), remain without a win in their sixth league game in a row, but can definitely build on their improved performance after the break. ManCity, who face Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday (9 p.m.), are now six points behind Arsenal. In the league, the Citizens continue on Sunday at champions Liverpool (5:30 p.m.).