Manchester City closed the five-point gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a stunning comeback win over Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
Spurs appeared to do north London rivals Arsenal a huge favor when they scored twice in the closing moments of the first half to stare Pep Guardiola’s side at a third successive defeat.
After Dejan Kloseux gave Spurs the lead before the break, Rodrigo was dispossessed by Rodrigo Bentenker after Ederson’s poor clearance, then Emerson Royal headed a second after the City keeper pushed Harry Kane’s shot wide.
Most were disappointed inside the Etihad Stadium but City, inspired by the brilliant Riyad Mahrez, came out after the break and turned the game on its head with three goals in 12 minutes.
Julian Alvarez scored from close range after Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris failed to claim Mahrez’s cross in the 51st minute, then Erling Holland scored from close range two minutes later to draw City level.
Spurs almost took the lead when Ivan Perisic’s shot was deflected onto the woodwork by Rico Lewis before Mahrez completed City’s comeback, beating Lloris at his near post. Won the challenge.
France veteran Lloris was once again at fault after his own goal fired Arsenal to victory in Sunday’s derby.
Mahrez completed a brilliant individual display when he raced clear into stoppage time to slot a smart finish over the keeper for City’s fourth.
City Show Champion Class
Manchester City left the pitch at half-time with their heads bowed and their jeering supporters disappointed, mainly because they felt referee Simon Hooper had repeatedly fouled Spurs as well as the two-goal deficit. There was a failure to punish.
What followed was a devastating display of strength from City, who came out after the break and simply refused to let Spurs cope with their attacking variety.
Mahrez was outstanding, scoring two goals among others and continuing his prolific run of form.
City have also unearthed another gem in 18-year-old Rico Lewis, who was heavily involved before and after Spurs’ double strike that made the Etihad Stadium a haunted place at the break.
History tells us that City, as they won the title decider against Aston Villa on the final day of last season and against Crystal Palace here earlier this season, are never to be counted on when two goals down. Alvarez’s strike so early in the second. The half had a profound effect on the champions and a disappointing effect on Spurs.
Time running out for Lloris?
Lloris, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, has been an excellent servant for Spurs since signing from Lyon – but it is increasingly looking like time for a change.
The 36-year-old has been at Spurs for more than a decade but now looks increasingly misplaced, his game increasingly erratic and erratic.
Lloris was horribly at fault when he headed Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net for Arsenal’s opening goal in Spurs’ north London derby on Sunday, and he was at fault again when City decreased compared to the increasing
He didn’t show enough conviction when trying to claim Mahrez’s cross for City’s first goal – the ball falling for Alvarez to score – then he was badly beaten at his near post as Spurs’ first of the game. The bar moved back. Mahrez’s shot had power but Lloris had to improve.
Spurs have been linked with Brentford keeper David Raya and Everton’s Jordan Pickford, which is no surprise as the position is fast becoming a problem manager Antonio Conte will have to address urgently.
