February 19, (THEWILL) – Tottenham Hotspur pulled off one of the season’s biggest upsets, defeating Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium, thereby blowing the race for the title open once again.
On Saturday evening, Harry Kane, who was extensively linked with a move to City in the summer, scored twice and had another goal ruled out to steal the show.
Kane passed Son Heung-min in behind the City defence in the fourth minute, and with Ederson advancing swiftly, the South Korean squared for Dejan Kulusevski to slide into the City net for the opener.
After weaving through the challenges of Kulusevski and Emerson Royal, Joao Cancelo came close to equalising, but his looping strike flew wide of the far post.
Ilkay Gundogan was next in line to take aim at the Spurs goal, and despite the ball being trapped beneath his foot as he fired, he hit the woodwork.
Cancelo sliced another chance before Phil Foden’s attempt was stopped by Ben Davies’ shins, and Kevin De Bruyne’s cross-cum-shot was gratefully received by Hugo Lloris.
On the counter, Tottenham looked dangerous, with Kane almost releasing Son again and Emerson shooting over from the edge of the City box.
When Lloris mishandled a hesitant cross, Gundogan was on hand to thump the ball into the net just after the half-hour mark to draw the hosts level.
City continued to control possession, but Spurs resolutely defended, with Son getting the next real chance after halftime. Kane picked out the forward again on the counter, but after being surrounded by City’s defenders, he blasted straight into Ederson’s arms.
Spurs took the lead again after an hour when Kane converted Son’s inch-perfect cross into the top corner.
Spurs were unlucky not to score a third goal soon after when Son found Kane again, but Ederson saved the England captain’s attempt with a fantastic sprawling stop.
Lloris made amends for his previous error by making a superb save to deny Gundogan’s long-range effort, while Cristian Romero prevented Bernardo Silva from striking the ball cleanly on many occasions.
With 20 minutes remaining, Kane had the ball in the net once more, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Kulusevski in the build-up after a lengthy VAR review.
City appeared boosted by the decision, and Cancelo came near again, prompting Lloris to make another reaching save. City had penalty requests for a handball against Romero ruled down with stoppage time approaching, but the decision was overturned after a VAR assessment, giving the hosts a lifeline.
City substitute Rihad Mahrez stepped up and blasted fiercely into the top of the net to give Pep Guardiola’s side the opportunity to share the points.
But, the drama was far from over as deep into the seventh minute of additional time, Kulusevski’s soaring cross was met by the rising Kane, who headed down and into Ederson’s net to snare the victory for Antonio Conte’s charges.
City’s next Premier League match is on the road at Everton on Saturday. Spurs’ next match is on Wednesday, when they travel to Burnley.
