Haaland’s Return Goal Secures City Win Over Tottenham
City Holds Off Tottenham Surge for Crucial Victory
- Erling Haaland marked his return to action with a goal
- Tottenham struggled to threaten in the first half
- The victory lifts City to fourth in the Premier League table
Erling Haaland marked his return to action with a goal, propelling Manchester City to a hard-fought victory against Tottenham Hotspur and boosting their pursuit of a top-four finish.
City began strongly, with Haaland opening the scoring in the 12th minute, converting Jeremy Doku’s cross with a precise finish. Savinho missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, firing over the bar from close range.
Tottenham struggled to threaten in the first half, with Ederson making a crucial save from Kevin Danso’s header. City nearly capitalized on the resulting corner, but Matheus Nunes failed to find Omar Marmoush.
The second half saw a shift in momentum, as Tottenham pressed for an equalizer. Ederson was forced into action to deny Wilson Odobert, and Mathys Tel squandered a clear chance. Substitutes Pape Sarr, Dejan Kulusevski, and Son Heung-min added further impetus to Tottenham’s attack, with Son being denied by a crucial Ederson save.
“The game, it was open second half because we didn’t close the first. In this stadium always they have 20 to 25 minutes and second half we suffered,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “Never will [we be] the old City this season. Old City were too good, but we will be back.”
Haaland, returning from injury, thought he had scored a second goal in stoppage time, but it was ruled out for handball. Tottenham then had a late chance to equalize, but Sarr headed over the bar.
The victory lifts City to fourth in the Premier League table, while Tottenham remain in 13th place.
