Erling Haaland scored a brace as Manchester City edged out Tottenham Hotspur to close in on their fourth Premier League title in a row.
A rickety first half dominated by Tottenham Hotspur saw the two sides head into the break with a draw. Tottenham were the better side in the first 45 but struggled to create any clear-cut chance.
The hosts’ closest came early after the kickoff when Bentacur fired a thunderbolt on goal but Ederson palmed it away to keep the away side in the game.
While the Lilywhites got good control of proceedings going forward, they struggled in City’s final third. Kyle Walker got on the toes of Son Heung-Min, tracking down the South Korean and cutting off Tottenham’s massive creator from making any meaningful intervention in the game.
Meanwhile, Manchester City were threatening on the counter. Phil Foden nearly got the visitors in front but Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario made a stunning save to keep the scoreline barren.
A few chances were created by both sides in the first half but it was not enough for either side to draw the first blood.
Manchester City stepped up their game in the second half. Five minutes into the first half, a rickety Tottenham defence paid dearly for a callous defending.
Erling Haaland was left unmarked in the hosts penalty box to tap in Kevin D Bruyne’s cross from the right wing. It was a deserved lead for the visitors after a commanding control of proceedings early in the second half.
Tottenham Hotspur ramped up their push to find an equaliser after conceding. They kept a high line and attacked on all fronts but could not find a way through City’s rugged defence.
Tottenham’s comeback hopes were dealt a final blow in the 91st minute when they conceded a spot-kick which was perfectly converted by Erling Haaland to double the lead.
The game ended 2-0 at the blast of the final whistle with Manchester City grabbing all three points to the top of the Premier League table ahead of title challengers Arsenal.
