Little over a week ago, these two sides met and produced a Premier League classic at the Etihad. This Sunday, we’re hoping for more of the same as Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City.
On the 19th of January, after a bitter derby defeat to Arsenal, Tottenham sought to gain some momentum in the league.
Standing in their way was an equally bruised Manchester City, who too had come off second best in their derby fixture with Manchester United.
With Tottenham’s top four chances taking a hit and Manchester City’s ambitions of a consecutive title under threat, this was the perfect opportunity to make amends.
Who’d Get Back on Track?
But for a rare Ederson error, it looked as though it’d be all square at half-time. The Manchester City keeper’s mistake resulted in Dejan Kulusevski opening the scoring in the 44th minute.
Two minutes later, right at the end of the first half, Harry Kane cannoned the ball at Ederson who could only parry the ball away. To the despair of the City faithful, it went into the direction of Emerson Royal who reacted quickly to head the ball into the back of the net.
With the half-time whistle blown, boos rang around the stadium. Pep Guardiola would have to use his years of experience to rouse his side who had been lacklustre.
Masterful Manager
Whatever Guardiola said at half-time clearly had the desired effect. Six minutes into the second half, World Cup winner Julián Álvarez fired his side back into contention.
No doubt leaving Antonio Conte livid, moments following the restart, Spurs’ defensive frailties were exposed after Haaland was able to head in an equaliser.
After being the provider for the goal that brought the game level, Riyad Mahrez found himself on the scoresheet with an effort that Lloris probably should have been equal to.
In scintillating form, the Algerian capitalised on a mistake from Clément Lenglet. The winger was able to pounce on his poor touch and loft the ball over Lloris to bag his brace and make it 4-2.
Form Since Their Last Encounter
Both sides have played twice since their thriller – once in the league and in the FA Cup. So, how did they get on?
Tottenham had the task of taking on Fulham at Craven Cottage. Thanks to the combination that has brought Spurs plentiful goals in recent seasons, Son assisted Kane in a 1-0 win.
On the road again but with a longer trip up North, Tottenham travelled to the Deepdale Stadium and dispatched of Preston with a 3-0 win.
Having had struggled to find form and the net this season, Son Heung-min will have been delighted to get a brace. New signing, Arnaut Danjuma, will have been equally as delighted to get a debut goal after coming on from the bench.
Continuing their goalscoring form, Manchester City won 3-0 at home against Wolverhampton with their Norwegian striker, Haaland, earning himself a hattrick.
Turning their attention to the FA Cup, City faced off with title rivals, Arsenal. What could have been an exciting match turned out to be a dull affair. With little action to report, Nathan Aké’s goal was the difference as the blue side of Manchester won 1-0.
JD Predicts
Going into this game, both sides have two wins and two clean sheets, so could they be difficult to separate?
We’ve seen that Tottenham’s defence is underperforming, and with talk of Spurs being on the hunt to replace the out of form Lloris, City could have joy.
Following a hattrick in his last league outing, Erling Haaland will be hungry to add to his already impressive goal tally. Despite Spurs having the home advantage, we think City will emerge as 3-1 victors.
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