Manchester City 1 Spurs 0: Another Three Points

Manchester City put in a controlled and gritty performance to keep their title hopes alive.

After the exertions of beating Tottenham on Wednesday evening, Manchester City managed to find enough to get past them again. This was a hard game where the physical and mental battles threatened at times to erupt on the pitch.

There was a couple of surprises in the City line up. Foden came in from the start and Gindogan again took the defensive midfield berth with Fernandinho rested on the bench.

City started the game at a blistering pace signalling their attacking intentions from the off. It was no surprise Spurs failed to cope. A procession of quick attacks eventually led to the City goal in the 4th minute.

More from Game Review

Sergio Aguero somehow found the right combination of time and skill to cushion a header to Foden at the back post who headed into the net. This goal was a thing of beauty. There are times when we seem beset with wanting to only score the perfect goal and spurn other easier opportunities. This would prove to be one of those games.

Despite City blistering into attacks we still did not add a second. The longer the match went on the more likely an undeserved equaliser for Spurs appeared.

In the heat of this April heatwave a sun drenched Etihad Stadium proved as much of an obstacle to a spectacle as any coherent defending. The heat sapped tired legs and there were periods where both sides were grateful for breaks in play.

The loss of Kevin De Bruyne after 30 minutes seemed another blow in a cruel week. It looked like a muscle injury and he may well not reach his imperious best again this year.

The game ebbed and flowed but City retained control. Spurs biggest threats were long balls into space for runners. It was a surprise to me they resorted to trying to contend with us by playing glorified kick and rush.

There were some great individual performances on the pitch for City. Ederson saves a number of Spurs attempts at goal, rushing from his area to protect his clean sheet.

Bernardo Silva was untouchable, scampering around in the heat. Foden played well too, slotting effortlessly into our team and evidencing how Guardiolas careful management of him is helping him develop. Next season will be his big chance.

As the time ticked away, there were clashes between players as Spurs overly aggressive approach went unpunished by the poor set of officials.

Next. . dark

All in all this was a very satisfying result against another top 4 side. The title remains on the horizon, but the games are running out and the tension is beginning to build. Just 5 wins in the next 5 and we will have a treble.

Home/Man City News