PLAYER RATINGS: Phil Foden keeps producing the big moments and Son Heung-min fluffed his lines… but which Spurs duo scored just 5/10?
Manchester City regained their standing at the top of the Premier League table, taking a two-point advantage over Arsenal, after Erling Haaland scored twice to give Pep Guardiola’s side a 2-0 victory against Tottenham on Tuesday night.
For Spurs, the defeat meant that they will now miss out on Champions League qualification next season, with Aston Villa five points clear of Ange Postecoglou‘s side in fourth place, with a game to play.
A cagey first half saw both goalkeepers called into action, with Guglielmo Vicario producing a sensational save to deny Phil Foden‘s strike. At the other end of the pitch, Ederson denied Spurs an opener after Brennan Johnson wove his way into the Man City box before unleashing a strike towards the bottom-right corner of the goal, which the Brazilian sensationally kept out. He would later be substituted after suffering a head injury in what was a sickening collision with Cristian Romero.
Spurs were ultimately undone by some poor defending, with Kevin De Bruyne breaking free on the right side of the penalty area, before delivering a brilliant pass across the face of the goal, which Haaland gratefully tapped in. The Norwegian striker would return to score from the penalty spot later in the second half to seal the 2-0 victory.
Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan delivers his player ratings from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Phil Foden was once again the standout as Man City returned to the top of the Premier League
Erling Haaland (bottom) scored twice to help his side secure a 2-0 victory against Tottenham
TOTTENHAM (4-3-3)
Guglielmo Vicario – 7
Two stunning saves, first denying Phil Foden from close range and then a reflex stop from Kevin De Bruyne.
Pedro Porro – 5
Never looked particularly comfortable all night. Not his usual progressive self in attacking areas. Gave late penalty away.
Cristian Romero – 5
Such a weak challenge in a 50-50 against Foden contributed to Erling Haaland’s 52nd-minute goal. Nowhere near strong enough.
Radu Dragusin – 6.5
Although ultimately offside, one huge headed clearance felt like a big moment in his Spurs career. Dealt with runners well.
Micky van de Ven – 6
Centre half operating out on the left and it showed, the Dutchman caught gravitating into the middle to offer up space.
Guglielmo Vicario (right) denied Phil Foden from close range with a stunning save in the first half
Radu Dragusin (right) dealt with City’s runners well and showed his defensive qualities tonight
Cristian Romero (right) was at fault for Erling Haaland’s (left) first goal in the 52nd minute
Pedro Porro did not look particularly comfortable all night and wasn’t his usual progressive self
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
Early strike stung Ederson’s palms. One huge moment when he opted for the wrong pass when Spurs had men over. And did a number on his seat when hooked by the manager.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7
Horrible attempted clearance for Foden’s early chance but put himself about and gave City a physical problem.
Pape Matar Sarr (right) was asked to put in a huge shift as a false nine but doubling in midfield
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg put himself about and gave City a physical problem throughout
James Maddison was one Tottenham player who really took the game to City all game
Brennan Johnson – 7
A threat on the right-hand side for the hosts. Tenacious runner when pressing high up the pitch as well.
James Maddison – 7
Neat and tidy when the hosts wanted to move quick ball and was one who really took the game to City.
Heung-min Son – 5.5
Fairly quiet, which is to Kyle Walker’s credit. One half chance just after the break snuffed out by Ederson before a huge opportunity late on when he fluffed his lines.
Pape Matar Sarr – 6.5
Asked to put in one huge shift as a false nine but doubling up with Maddison in midfield. Even caught at centre back at one point.
To Kyle Walker’s credit, Son Heung-min (pictured) was fairly quiet, with the Spurs forward missing a big chance late on
Ange Postecoglou cut a frustrated figure at full-time as his side failed to qualify for the Champions League
Subs
Dejan Kulusevski (for Bentancur, 55) – 7
Giovani Lo Celso (for Sarr, 85)
Oliver Skipp (for Hojbjerg, 85)
Mikey Moore (for Maddison, 90)
MAN CITY (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – 7
Top early save to thwart Bentancur. Absolutely furious to be substituted after Romero clattered into him.
Kyle Walker – 7
Given the freedom of north London down the right but decision-making in the final third let him down. Defended very well though.
Ruben Dias – 7
Talked City through some difficult periods of the night, which is his main function in that back four.
Ederson was fuming after he was substituted by Pep Guardiola after Romero clattered into him
Josko Gvardiol looked to be City’s brightest outlet but could have been more solid defensively
Kyle Walker was given the freedom of north London down the right wing, but his decision-making was poor
Manuel Akanji – 7
One quietly effective piece of defending seemed to sum Akanji up. With 15 minutes left, Johnson seemed to be away, only for the Swiss to ease him off it without fuss. But then almost cost City dear late on for Son’s big chance.
Josko Gvardiol – 6.5
Looked like City’s brightest outlet in the first half as he attempted to continue his fine vein of form. Could have been more solid going the other way.
Rodri – 6
Completed passes was down to an unusual low 86 per cent before half time. Screwed his head back on later in the game.
Rodri’s completed passes was down to an unusual low 86 per cent before half time but he returned to deliver an excellent performance in the second half
Mateo Kovacic – 5.5
Guilty of not choosing the right option on too many occasions in a game that was quicker than expected.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Not the controlling performance of Saturday at Fulham. Much improved after the break, mirroring City as a whole.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5
A very similar theme to his season: seemingly slightly off the boil and ends up with another assist. That’s 10 in the league from 17 appearances. Ludicrous numbers.
Energy, guile and gumption – Foden’s is so important to this Man City, and enjoyed another excellent game
Kevin De bruyne was slightly off the boil tonight but still managed yet another assist
Phil Foden – 8
Again producing the big moments when besting Romero. And then the ball for Jeremy Doku to win the penalty. Energy, guile and gumption. So important to this team.
Erling Haaland – 7.5
Big physical battle to contend with Romero. Did it well – again – and made sure he was there to tap in De Bruyne’s cross. Twenty-six in the league then, 27 when he dispatched the penalty.
Erling Haaland battled all night against Romero and brought up his goal tally to 26 league strikes
Subs
Stefan Ortega (for Ederson, 69) – 7.5
Jeremy Doku (for De Bruyne, 69) – 7
Julian Alvarez (for Haaland, 90)
