On a bright and sunny day at the Etihad Stadium Manchester City entered the game to the sound of fireworks, but it was fireworks of a different kind which signalled the end of the match.
Of all the changes which Pep Guardiola could have made to his Manchester City side after last week’s demolition of West Ham, the inclusion of Gundogan at the expense of Silva seemed the least likely. Mahrez, arguably last week’s stand out performer was reduced to the bench for Bernardo, Jesus made way for Aguero and Otamendi stepped in for the injured Stones.
Despite the nature of the squad rotation being a surprise, how City started the game was not. Blistering into attack from the kick off, Tottenham were on the back foot. Wave after wave of attack came but somehow it took 20 minutes before we took the lead.
The goal came from a sublime whipped cross from De Bruyne which was steered into the net from the head of Raheem Sterling. At the moment De Bruyne played the ball, Sterling and Aguero were both in the hunt for the ball and that combination of accurate passing and hunger created the goal.
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Just three minutes later and Spurs were level, Lamela powered through the heart of the City team and unleashed a shot which crept in past the outstretched arm of Ederson. How this goal went in from their first attack will probably require a lengthy inquest from the coaching staff.
City, got their noses back in front in the 35th minute as Aguero dinked the ball into the net from another superb De Bruyne cross. City were well on top in every department and the extent of the Spurs play was all about attempting to limit the damage rather than create anything.
As the second half knocked on there was an ominous feeling as City failed to exert their dominance of the game by converting chances into goals. Bernardo struck a shot across the goal, we hit the post and the cross bar. Other shots were scuffed and Lloris was leading a charmed life.
Spurs threw on Lucas Moura for Harry Winks at a corner and he scored from his very first touch. City were punished for a defensive lapse – and Spurs had two goals from two shots.
Peculiar refereeing decisions were in abundance. Quite how Bernardo ended up with a free kick given against him as he tormented the Spurs players with his dribbling before being elbowed by Rose remains a mystery. As does the failure to award a penalty for the Lamela foul on Rodri. Strangely overlooked by VAR.
The big talking point in the match came in injury time as City continued their search for a winner. Jesus scored a lovely goal, requiring great skill and composure and the crowd erupted in celebration.
Eventually, after an impossibly long delay which caused much confusion and consternation in the Stadium, the goal was ruled out for a ridiculous reason. Laporte was fouled in the build up and his arm was pushed onto the ball – handball.
The full time whistle blew and the boos rang out around the Stadium. Whilst the headlines will no doubt be taken by VAR, this was a solid City performance where they completely dominated the Champions League Runners Up. Spurs were left flattered by the scoreline but City are in good shape to go again.