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Manchester Metropolis have been stung by a scorpion kick however how deadly will or not it’s for them within the Premier League title race? Hardly ever does a aim obtain such a response because the 4 separate raucous cheers contained in the stadium after Dominic Solanke’s beautifully improvised strike.
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It capped a shocking comeback to earn Tottenham Hotspur some extent, deny Metropolis and hand Arsenal an enormous increase of their hopes of being topped champions for the primary time since 2003.
Arsenal’s benefit, with Aston Villa dropping, is six factors with 14 video games to go. Importantly, regardless of strengthening once more this switch window, Metropolis don’t possess that ruthless fringe of outdated.
The truth is there’s a unusual development that has effects on them and undermining their prospects which factors to a weak spot that may infuriate Pep Guardiola: for the 20 minutes after half-time they typically change off, lack depth and give up the initiative.
It has occurred too many instances of late and this was the third league recreation in a row that they didn’t have a shot on the right track within the second half. How bizarre is that?
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It was additionally the primary time in eight years that Metropolis didn’t win a recreation by which they led by two or extra objectives at half-time – a run of 115 matches. They seem like affected by a gentle underbelly.
Erling Haaland has scored simply as soon as in his final seven Premier League outings – AP/Richard Pelham
There had been a curious debate over whether or not Tottenham followers would need their staff to lose – to wreck Arsenal – however that was a lot scorching air. Don’t doubt how a lot this meant to Spurs.
If that they had misplaced after a horrendous first half, they’d have been gazing a grim relegation battle with a mutinous fanbase and toxicity within the air.
And who did Solanke develop up supporting? Nicely, the primary soccer shirt he was ever given got here from his father – an enormous Arsenal fan.
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In entrance of watching England supervisor Thomas Tuchel, Solanke staked his declare for a global recall with an excellent and brave second-half centre-forward efficiency that absolutely warranted the standing ovation he acquired along with his late substitution.
He was a basic quantity 9 with an acrobatic twist.
Solanke pressured the primary aim, along with his power and dedication, though there was confusion over whether or not the ultimate contact got here from him or Marc Guehi.
There was additionally controversy with Guardiola arguing – with some justification – that his defender was fouled as Solanke inadvertently however clearly kicked his opponent’s foot. Guardiola was booked for his protests, claiming if it had been the opposite approach spherical there would have been a penalty.
Dominic Solanke makes contact with the again of Marc Guehi’s within the act of scoring Tottenham’s first aim – Reuters/Peter Cziborra
However there was no debate about Solanke’s second. Conor Gallagher, one other hoping to impress Tuchel and having fun with his greatest recreation since becoming a member of Spurs, created it. The midfielder merely wished the ball extra, beating Nico Gonzalez who had simply come on and bursting down the fitting. There was a lot for Solanke to do and the cross was simply behind him. However he improvised splendidly, adjusting his physique, holding off Rodri and flicking the ball excessive into the aim. Gianluigi Donnarumma received fingertips to it however that was not sufficient.
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Cling it within the Louvre, as they are saying, and it’d simply be a defining picture of this marketing campaign.
It may additionally be the aim of the season – harking back to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s scorpion kick for Manchester United towards Sunderland 10 years in the past and Olivier Giroud’s for Arsenal versus Crystal Palace in 2017.
And people 4 cheers I alluded to? The primary got here because the ball hit the online. The second when the aim was confirmed by the VAR – then there have been two extra, combined with gasps of disbelief, as replays have been proven on the massive screens. There might have been a fifth, possibly the loudest of all, throughout north London.
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It had been the final word recreation of two halves. Spurs had gifted Metropolis their objectives with poor, lax defending and a scarcity of urgent as first Rayan Cherki after which Antoine Semenyo scored.
Thomas Frank didn’t disguise his disgust. With so many gamers out, he needed to recall Radu Dragusin, who has not began in additional than a 12 months, and Yves Bissouma who he has beforehand wished out. His reward? Bissouma misplaced possession for the primary aim, with Dragusin standing off Cherki. Then Dragusin handed straight to Rodri, left a giant gap within the centre of defence and Semenyo completed.
The winger was a Spurs goal earlier than he joined Metropolis and who did he rating his final Bournemouth aim towards in a last-gasp win in early January? Spurs, in fact.
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They in all probability felt cursed and, at that stage, it gave the impression to be a case of what number of Metropolis would rating.
It felt embarrassing for Spurs. They regarded misplaced in addition to overwhelmed and have been booed off at half-time. They have been depleted and demoralised and it appeared prefer it was going to get ugly.
However what a change after the break, particularly given captain Cristian Romero got here off, and credit score to under-pressure Frank as he switched to a again 4, demanding extra aggression. Who would have thought they’d rating twice and never concede with a central defensive partnership of Dragusin and Joao Palhinha?
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has proved an sad looking floor for Pep Guardiola – Getty Photos/Rob Newell
Additional ahead Xavi Simons constructed on the sense that he’s lastly discovering his ft with a courageous efficiency and out of the blue Spurs and – who is aware of, Frank – are in enterprise. This was their greatest 45 minutes since, effectively, beating Metropolis away at the beginning of the season.
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They might even have accomplished a league double just for Donnarumma to disclaim them with two superb saves.
On the finish there have been no boos. The cheers belonged to the Spurs supporters and the air of resignation hung over Metropolis. Until there’s one other sting within the tail.
Guardiola rages on the referee…once more
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Pep Guardiola was left fuming with one other refereeing determination as his Manchester Metropolis staff fell additional behind leaders Arsenal within the Premier League title race.
Metropolis supervisor Guardiola accused referee Robert Jones of “conceding” Tottenham’s first aim – relatively than his personal staff conceding it – and claimed the choice handed momentum to the hosts and contributed to Metropolis squandering a two-goal lead.
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Guardiola was booked for his offended response on the touchline after Dominic Solanke’s first aim was proven on the massive display screen. The Spurs striker kicked the again of Marc Guehi’s leg which helped the ball into the online. There was a VAR examine, however the aim was cleared on the premise that Solanke performed the ball.
The draw means Metropolis at the moment are six factors behind Arsenal with 14 matches remaining.
“If it’s a central defender to a striker it’s a penalty, proper? I’m not a referee,” mentioned Guardiola. “Fascinating within the Premier League. There was an emotional situation for the primary aim that the referee conceded to Spurs and, after that, the momentum is tough to regulate.”
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Guardiola has been left sad with referees on numerous events this season and criticised debutant official Farai Hallam after Metropolis’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers final weekend.
Requested if he’s involved by the choices which can be being made by referees in Metropolis’s video games, Guardiola replied: “Nothing modified the opinion I had up to now.”
Tottenham supervisor Thomas Frank conceded that the choice for Solanke’s first aim might have gone in his favour, however argued his staff deserved some luck.
“Clear contact from him [Solanke] on it [the ball],” Frank mentioned. “We would like a better threshold. I perceive it’s a gray space. The Liverpool aim, Ekitike, was two clear fingers behind Romero. So I’m very joyful it lastly dropped for us, which was greater than honest.”
Regardless of blaming the referee for the change of momentum in Tottenham’s favour, Guardiola admitted his Metropolis staff had an “emotional situation” they failed to beat after Solanke’s first aim.
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Gardiola mentioned: “I would favor to not have the transitions, but it surely’s an emotional situation for the primary aim that the referees concedes to Spurs and after that the momentum is tough to regulate no matter occurs right here in England.
“We all know we can not management it on a regular basis, in fact if it was 0-3 or 0-4, however we now have quite a lot of new gamers. Now we have to attempt to end the actions a bit higher however the recreation was effectively performed and generally with lengthy balls, second balls, generally you miss it.”
Guardiola disregarded any suggestion that he could also be pressured to prioritise different competitions over the Premier League title now Metropolis are six factors behind Arsenal.
He mentioned: “As a lot as the prospect is there, the hope will at all times be there. It occurs. I do know that in these kinds of video games, at all times up to now, there’s a option to win and right this moment it didn’t occur.
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“Now we have difficulties for a lot of issues, however the gamers are coming again and I noticed an extremely good spirit with many issues. Erling is already in good condition and Nico, Bernardo and Rodri within the center give us an unimaginable physicality and presence that we would have liked.
“Within the final video games we weren’t in step with the ball and particularly with out. Once you concede a aim, it occurs, particularly whenever you can not management it. That shall be our lesson and as soon as once more will make us stronger and higher, particularly for a lot of gamers sooner or later.”
Frank hailed the spirit of his Spurs staff, who battled again from two objectives behind at half-time with Solanke scoring a spectacular second aim with a scorpion kick.
“I’m joyful we lastly received some extent out of a giant second half,” mentioned Frank. “It felt like a giant level towards the perfect staff within the Premier League within the final eight years, a staff competing for the title.”
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On Solanke’s second aim, he joked: “It was, in fact, one thing we labored on in coaching, so it went effectively!”
07:23pm
Frank on his staff’s relationship with the followers
It means not solely to me however to the staff and the gamers. Now we have seen two good performances. The Dortmund recreation and this second half. After we unite followers and gamers, we will create magic. That’s what we have to maintain pushing. It meant the world to me and to all of us.
07:23pm
Extra from Thomas Frank
I don’t know if it was the perfect [the second-half performance]. There are at all times huge 45 minutes, however that character and mentality the gamers confirmed, we tried to put in perception. How they went out within the second half and got here again, that reveals the whole lot concerning the group. That never-say-die factor they’ve proven for a very long time now however we received the end result which is huge.
I can simply say what we attempt to do and create is that never-say-die perspective. We reply effectively to setbacks and we confirmed a number of instances however we lastly received one thing out of that. It was huge, all the gamers confirmed a unbelievable.
Thomas Frank will hope he has weathered a storm at Tottenham – Reuters/Peter Cziborra
07:20pm
Thomas Frank happy with his gamers
I’m extraordinarily happy with the gamers. I’m so joyful that they, we received one thing out of it and a well-deserved level. It’s much more spectacular with the damage scenario we now have. We’re down the the naked bones and that character and never-say-die perspective from the gamers and the followers – the followers within the second half it means a lot, they helped us a lot to come back again on this recreation. It was an excellent instance of what we will do collectively. I’m joyful that we lastly received one thing out of a giant second half. We lastly received one thing and we’re heading in the right direction I’d say.
07:13pm
Guardiola in passive aggressive mode
07:11pm
Guardiola on if Guehi was fouled by Solanke
Nicely, when you do it to a striker it could be a penalty. I’m not a referee. Fascinating within the Premier League.
Metropolis claimed Solanke kicked via Marc Guehi – Getty Photos/Justin Setterfield
07:02pm
Guardiola’s post-match ideas
It was an excellent recreation. After the aim they conceded, we struggled. We got here again once more. Generally it was a very good efficiency. Sadly we couldn’t win.
The gameplan is attempt to play with the ball and attempt to rating objectives and never concede.
They put extra within the again, they discovered a aim and after that the momentum occurred. some transitions the management that they had we didn’t have. it was not a giant situation.
We’re enjoying at a excessive stage. We didn’t have the consistency to win the video games when others have been capable of do it, 14 video games it quite a lot of video games. Six factors [gap to Arsenal]. Subsequent one.
Pep Guardiola watched his staff squander extra factors within the title race – Reuters/Peter Cziborra
06:57pm
Semenyo on what modified
Couldn’t inform you if I’m sincere. They began choosing up momentum and had a few possibilities. Getting the group into it helped. The group have been behind them and it undoubtedly helps.
06:52pm
Solanke on the turnaround
It was a recreation of two halves. The primary half was tough we couldn’t get close to them at instances. The second half was a distinct story. Within the second half we have been nice and grew with confidence and perception and will have gone on to win it. We all know we have to begin video games faster.
A couple of tactical tweaks. At half-time we had an opportunity to do this. Within the second half we needed to present battle and perception and I believed we did.
We wanted to alter one thing as a result of it was very tough to press. We made that change and it labored very effectively. We all know we haven’t been pretty much as good as we wish to be within the league and we’d like the followers behind us. After we are all collectively I feel we will fly.
We try to construct on it. That’s 4 video games unbeaten now and we wish to begin successful video games for positive. We have to give attention to that and maintain constructing. When everyone seems to be on it and we now have the group and everybody has that confidence and perception we all know we will beat anybody.
06:45pm
At precisely the incorrect time
06:36pm
How issues stand on the prime
06:31pm
FT: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Arsenal’s lead on the prime of the Premier League is six factors after their north London rivals staged the unlikeliest of comebacks to reveal Metropolis’s frailties and lack of endurance. The sport was a non-event performed in a silent stadium for 45 minutes, however Spurs confirmed actual battle and two excellent items of centre-forward play by Solanke turned the sport. Honest play to Spurs’ again 4 of Grey, Palhinha, Dragusin and Udogie who one way or the other stored a second-half clear sheet. Anfield subsequent for Metropolis within the league.
Spurs gamers turned issues round after a bleak first 45 minutes – Reuters/Peter Cziborra
06:29pm
99 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Metropolis have a free-kick simply inside their very own half however there are solely round 20 seconds on the clock. A Gonzalez diagonal ahead in direction of the penalty space is aimless, and skips via the field for a Spurs aim kick. That must be that.
06:27pm
97 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
A protracted spell of Metropolis possession ends with an O’Reilly cross deflecting into the arms of Vicario. He kicks lengthy although, and Metropolis have it straight again.
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Semenyo goes down wanting a free-kick, nothing doing, and the participant who made the problem Odobert then wins a free-kick from Nico Gonzalez. The Metropolis midfielder is booked.
90 seconds to play.
06:26pm
96 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Spurs, to their credit score, are nonetheless attempting to push numbers ahead once they assault, but it surely means they’re stretched on ocassion when Metropolis break. Udogie’s low cross being cleared allowed Metropolis to seek out Semenyo in area down the fitting, and he wins a throw. Metropolis now camped in Spurs territory, probing patiently.
06:24pm
94 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Guardiola has heeded the warning indicators round Rodri on a reserving, changing him with Marmoush. Nice protecting defending from Khusanov as Odobert tried to make use of his tempo. The incorrect participant to strive that push and run trick towards. 5 minutes to play.
06:22pm
92 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Rodri very fortunate to flee a yellow card on not one however two events; the primary a excessive foot after which a shirt pull when Spurs have been breaking into area. Rob Jones decides to maintain his playing cards in his pocket.
06:20pm
90 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Solanke is off for Spurs, changed by 17-year-old Byfield. There are a NINE minutes of added time to play. Ample for both staff to discover a winner, as a result of neither defence is convincing.
06:18pm
88 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Guehi then lifts a harmful cross into the Metropolis penalty space which Spurs scramble away. The house staff then miss one or two possibilities to interrupt, and Metropolis maintain them penned in and have a nook. Phil Foden is on for Bernardo Silva.
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Reijnders to take the nook with an inswinger… Guehi gained the second contact, however the ball drifted large.
Haaland went down within the penalty space and desires a penalty. VAR is checking whether or not Dragusin was holding on to him.
No penalty! VAR say the contact got here earlier than the ball was delivered. Spurs aim kick, they will push up the pitch.
06:15pm
86 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
On the different finish, Guehi produces a goal-saving problem to disclaim Odobert! Nunes was caught in possession by Xavi Simons close to the nook of the field, and the Dutchman delivered a harmful ball throughout the six-yard line. Odobert would have had a faucet in, however Guehi made a vital intervention.
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Riotous recreation now, two free and fallible groups. Simply because it was key for Spurs to realize a foothold after popping out sturdy on this second half, hanging on for no less than some extent now feels equally essential for the viability of the Thomas Frank mission. Coming again right here in such stirring trend is a efficiency to construct on. Frank might be tempted to close up store however his staff have regarded way more comfy enjoying on the sting than attempting to comprise.
06:14pm
84 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Metropolis are beginning to knock on the door now. Gonzalez stands the ball up for Haaland to win a knock down within the field, and Reijnders got here flying in with a diving header that was simply large of the put up.
06:13pm
82 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Goalmouth scramble within the Spurs field from a Metropolis free-kick! Guehi couldn’t fairly make a transparent connection, and there have been appeals for a handball penalty towards Sarr. The actual fact he was sliding to floor will save him; gamers are allowed to make use of their arms as help. A crowd of gamers converge across the ball earlier than Haaland scoops over.
06:10pm
80 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
There was extra luck than judgment now and again, however the best way this cobbled collectively Spurs defence has held agency within the second half has been fairly wonderful. That they had each excuse to surrender, however have put their our bodies on the road. They may have to do extra of that within the closing phases.
06:08pm
78 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Metropolis struggling to clear their strains once more, however lastly they join and discover Haaland who springs Semenyo in behind down the left. Teasing cross delivered into the Tottenham field, however Reijnders glances large. A reminder of the risk Metropolis can pose.
06:05pm
75 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Donnarumma with a fingertip save to pluck Xavi Simons’ deflected shot over the bar. Spurs seems to be harmful each time they arrive ahead. What’s it about them towards Man Metropolis? The place there’s Haaland, there’s hope, however the away staff have misplaced the plot within the second half.
06:04pm
73 minutes: Spurs 2 Man Metropolis 2
Nonetheless no less than 20 minutes to go right here, and Metropolis look alarmingly weak. Xavi Simons operating straight at their again 4, feeding Odobert, however Donnarumma saves his shot from the tight angle with an outstretched foot. The primary half was a non-event however that is now a correct recreation to look at.
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Gallagher was so excited concerning the equaliser he didn’t know the place to have fun. Instinctively moved in direction of Solanke at first, then realised he was nearer to Grey and Palhinha close to the centre circle so checked his run and went for a cuddle with them as an alternative. Such superior positional consciousness is a superb advert for English gamers having a spell in La Liga.
Dominic Solanke scores a brillaint equaliser – Getty Photos/Justin Setterfield
06:02pm
GOOOOAAALL! Solanke with a chunk of brilliance
This is likely to be one of many objectives of the season if Solanke received the ultimate contact. Gallagher thrusts down the fitting, and his cross was simply behind Solanke, so the Spurs striker needed to go for the Giroud/Mkhitaryan-style scorpion kick and he judged it to perfection. The ball looped over Donnarumma in agonising trend for Metropolis, and regardless of the goalkeeper getting a contact the ball drops within the nook.
05:59pm
69 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
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Mathys Tel received a loud cheer from the Spurs followers when his identify was learn out earlier than he entered the pitch. The house supporters have actually responded to their staff having a go at Metropolis.
05:58pm
68 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
Right here come the Spurs modifications: Kolo Muani and Bissouma are the gamers off, Tel and Odobert on.
Guardiola can also be about to reply with modifications: Nico Gonzalez and Reijnders approaching to interchange Rayan Cherki and Ait-Nouri the gamers coming off. Nico O’Reilly goes again to left-back.
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Spurs have been a lot braver with their urgent on this half, looking in packs a lot greater up the pitch. It’s clearly a dangerous technique but it surely has disturbed Metropolis’s rhythm. They have been at pre-season tempo for a lot of the primary 45, they know they’re in a recreation now.
05:56pm
66 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
Spurs stored the ball alive from the second part of the nook, however then Kolo Muani is penalised for bumping Cherki to the ground. Spurs are readying a few modifications: Tel and Odobert are about to be launched.
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Metropolis then responsible of dropping the ball cheaply in midfield once more, with Sarr and Gallagher springing ahead, however Guehi defends effectively towards Kolo Muani. Metropolis dwelling dangerously.
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Suppose Pep was fooled by his personal participant’s performing there, with Ait-Nourri getting in early for subsequent 12 months’s Golden Globes. A shoo-in for a nomination no less than within the class for greatest faked hamstring damage by a supporting actor. Nico Gonzalez had his prime off prepared to come back on, however it’s again on now after Ait-Nourri’s miraculous restoration.
05:54pm
63 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
It could be a minor miracle if a Spurs again 4 of Grey, Palhinha, Dragusin and Udogie heled Haaland, Cherki and Semenyo at bay for the second half, however they’re digging in effectively and displaying some battle.
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Palhinha began a counter-attack with an excellent problem on Ait-Nouri, and Spurs have a nook after a burst into the field by Kolo Muani.
05:51pm
61 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
To display that time about Metropolis not being the strongest finishers: they’ve conceded 16 second-half objectives in comparison with simply six within the first 45 minutes of matches. They’ve simply began to place their foot on the ball and management possession once more via Rodri and Bernardo. Semenyo wins them a nook.
05:48pm
58 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
Kolo Muani a contact lucky to purchase a foul towards O’Reilly but it surely helps Spurs push up the pitch once more. Guardiola has been booked for his protests on the touchline. Xavi Simons is working exhausting out of possession, however must be cautious about tackling on the stretch after his first-half yellow card.
05:46pm
56 minutes: Spurs 1 Man Metropolis 2
Man Metropolis have to get a grip of the sport, Spurs having fun with all of the territory now. Fading in second halves has been an issue for Metropolis in Premier League video games this season.
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Surprising “recreation on our fingers” alert! A reputable begin to the second half from Spurs and it felt essential that they take one thing from it. It has come by way of a extremely unorthodox leg-puppetry personal aim. High work from Solanke and residential crowd have discovered their voice… Briefly.
05:44pm
GOOOOALL! Solanke helps pull one again for Spurs
Spurs have been having fun with their greatest spell of the sport, which isn’t saying a lot, they usually have their aim. Ait-Nouri was simply behind the remainder of his defence, enjoying Solanke onside and the Spurs striker was picked out by a intelligent Simons go. Solanke confirmed the belligerence you need from a No 9 to shrug off Khusanov and switch again in direction of aim, however ultimately it was Marc Guehi’s boot which poked the ball past Donnarumma.
05:41pm
50 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 2
Udogie’s cross is cleared by O’Reilly and it dropped kindly for Gallagher to shoot from lengthy vary however he couldn’t recover from the hassle. A Spurs aim might change issues, stranger issues have occurred.
And that may be a excellent save from Donnarumma to disclaim Udogie! Rasping strike from the left-back, and it was rising in direction of the roof of the online, however the goalkeeper tipped it over. Spurs lastly throw a punch.
05:37pm
48 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 2
Solanke penalised for a foul on Khusanov, and he has been booked for a seize on the shoulder. There are nonetheless loads of empty navy blue seats across the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the beginning of the second half.
05:35pm
We’re again beneath approach!
Inside 30 seconds of the half beginning, Spurs have a Metropolis nook to take care of however they defend and clear.
05:35pm
A half-time change from Spurs
Cristian Romero is the participant coming off, changed by Sarr. That strikes Spurs to a again 4. You must assume Romero coming off is the results of an damage.
05:27pm
Some Spurs followers leaving already
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It’s not a mass walkout by any means however some Spurs followers have undoubtedly seen sufficient. Some walked straight into the Brown Eagle Caribbean restaurant reverse which, crucially, sells alcohol.
05:24pm
‘Simply promote it’
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The Tottenham followers loudly booed at half-time and one supporter close to the press field regarded as much as the place the membership’s homeowners and board members sit and shouted “simply promote it”. This might flip nasty within the second half.
05:20pm
HT: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 2
Half-hearted boos on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This makeshift Spurs staff barely look Premier League customary, and Metropolis have solely needed to play in suits and begins to place themselves in a commanding place. Issues might get uglier within the second half except there’s an unlikely turnaround.
Manchester Metropolis’s Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring Metropolis’s second aim – PA/Bradley Collyer
05:19pm
49 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 2
Simons’ free-kick was too near Donnarumma but it surely was a cushty sufficient save for the goalkeeper.
05:18pm
47 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 2
There shall be simply 4 minutes of added time, and we now have performed two. Rodri has simply been booked for pulling again Xavi Simons on the sting of the D. Spurs free-kick in a capturing place for Simons.
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Semenyo shh-ing the house followers appears pointless. Cheeky, sure, however how do you cut back quantity any decrease than “none”. Some have been teasing him for his botched celebration, which is already trying just like the spotlight of Tottenham’s day.
05:15pm
GOOOOAAALL! Semenyo makes it two
Dragusin with a stray go into midfield which is intercepted by Rodri. He knocks the ball ahead in direction of Bernardo Silva, who attracts Romero to depart Semenyo fully free. Bernardo pokes the ball into his path and the end was unerring. The cartwheel celebration was not the cleanest, however he won’t care.
05:14pm
43 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Ait-Nouri slices a shot excessive, large and good-looking. “This has been a bit completely different to Chelsea vs West Ham final night time, it has been extra like SoccerAid,” says Gary Neville.
05:12pm
40 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Metropolis have re-established their dominance after the briefest of attacking flurries from Spurs. They have to be cautious about settling into spells of possession which can be too sterile, although. Good play from Rodri to float proper, picked out by Donnarumma, earlier than discovering Semenyo with the change. However Semenyo and Cherki weren’t on the identical wavelength.
05:08pm
38 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Extra groans from the Spurs followers after Xavi Simons turns down a shot from a promising place simply contained in the penalty space. Metropolis counter-attacked via Semenyo down the left, however he didn’t take advantage of a one-on-one with Palhinha.
Simons in an excellent place once more, however this time the shot is blocked, earlier than he’s booked for hacking down Rodri.
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Dragusin simply received a giant cheer from the Tottenham followers for taking the ball off Vicario and shortly passing a aim kick forwards. Nevertheless it was adopted by boos when the ball went straight again to him. The Spurs followers have truly been attempting to get behind their staff after being shocked by Cherki’s early opener.
05:05pm
36 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
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Curious efficiency from Metropolis thus far, seemingly able to slicing via each strains of Spurs’ defence at will at instances however turning into sometimes careless with the ball at others. It’s like they’re discovering it too straightforward. Spurs displaying some indicators of life, Gallagher bringing a little bit of chew to their midfield and Udogie working exhausting on the left flank, however I’d be amazed in the event that they get something out of this recreation ought to Metropolis rating the subsequent aim.
05:05pm
34 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Metropolis probing across the Spurs penalty space, however Rodri’s diagonal cross is simply too excessive for Haaland. You get the impression Haaland is on the cusp of shredding this Spurs defence, however he has not fairly matched up the run, contact and end but.
05:01pm
31 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
That was higher Spurs soccer from their right-back space, Palhinha and Grey protecting their composure to play via the Metropolis strain into Simons who gained a free-kick towards Rodri. Surprisingly, Spurs take it quick relatively than launching it into the mixer and any trace of an assault fizzles out.
04:58pm
28 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
There was area for Semenyo to breach the Spurs defence there, however Haaland overhit his lofted via ball. Metropolis persevering with to dominate the sport. The one hazard at this second can be their very own failure to kill the sport with one other aim or two.
04:56pm
25 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
This can be a disgrace for Metropolis and the sport as a spectacle: Rayan Cherki has pulled up with some type of niggle. Simply earlier than he normal that probability for himself, he took a false step and stumbled barely.
Reijnders was prepared to come back on, however Metropolis have sat him again down and Cherki goes to attempt to proceed.
04:54pm
23 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
After that Khusanov foul, Xavi Simons’ free-kick deflects off the wall and into the arms of Donnarumma.
Then Dragusin loses a duel and Cherki is remoted towards Romero within the field. He skips round his outdoors earlier than Dragusin slides out of the image recklessly, permitting Cherki again inside. It could have been a sensational solo aim, however Vicario made a fingertip save to disclaim him. Cherki incredulous that the save was not noticed, Spurs aim kick.
04:51pm
21 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Kolo Muani with a late problem on Rodri when the ball was lengthy gone, however one way or the other he escapes additional punishment. Presumably some sympathy refereeing from Rob Jones primarily based on the sample of the primary 20 minutes.
Khusanov has began the sport rather well, however has simply been booked for a lunge at Gallagher following a free contact on the fringe of his personal field.
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That is fairly a harrowing watch from a Spurs perspective. Each time Metropolis run at Frank’s placid again three they appear weak. Many of the noise coming from the Metropolis followers, however the Lilywhite wall behind the aim simply managed a “come on you Spurs”. “Is that this the Etihad?” chant the Metropolis followers in response.
04:49pm
18 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Metropolis actually must be 2-0 up however Haaland lets Spurs off the hook; his run was discovered by a Rodri go excessive and Romero and Dragusin have been at all times the incorrect aspect of the striker, however Haaland received an excessive amount of on the lob over Vicario and the ball bounced on the roof of the online.
04:46pm
17 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
The ball is put out of play with Cherki down on the fringe of the D after being blocked by Romero. Cherki was searching for a fast give-and-go with Haaland. Metropolis haven’t discovered prime gear thus far, however there are extra objectives on this recreation for them.
04:44pm
14 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 1
Bissouma with one other giveaway in midfield that brings groans from the group, however this time Man Metropolis don’t punish them. Semenyo and Cherki are slim and in harmful positions each time Spurs give the ball away.
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Frank livid about that aim, spinning round again in direction of his bench aghast and chucking his water bottle to the ground. Regarded to me like a supervisor who had warned his defenders a few particular hazard, and them not paying consideration: maybe Cherki being value standing near when he has the ball at his ft?
04:42pm
GOOOOAALLL! Cherki finds the far nook
Silence across the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bissouma dallies on the ball in midfield and is robbed by Bernardo Silva, and Dragusin backed off Cherki. The Metropolis ahead was invited to shoot along with his proper foot, and with the assistance of a slight deflection he discovered the far nook past Vicario. To make issues worse, Bissouma was booked for dragging down Haaland.
04:40pm
10 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 0
Metropolis’s flip to flow into the ball among the many gamers within the again half of their staff however first Rodri after which Khusanov lack high quality once they attempt to go ahead with extra ambition. Spurs win a free-kick, which Xavi Simons goes to place within the mixer. Despatched deep to Romero, again Metropolis clear his header again throughout aim.
04:37pm
7 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 0
Spurs having fun with the vast majority of possession in the previous couple of minutes, there was the odd signal of encouragement once they play ahead to Solanke towards Metropolis’s comparatively excessive line. Metropolis not precisely hounding Spurs excessive up the pitch, they appear joyful sufficient for Palhinha, Romero and Dragusin to have the ball.
04:35pm
4 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 0
“This can be a bruised fanbase, you possibly can really feel it, the environment may be very quiet proper now,” says Gary Neville from the gantry on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Palhinha intercepts effectively as Haaland tries to mix along with his team-mates, earlier than there’s some extra good defending from Khusanov to clear a Xavi Simons cross.
Simons then scoops a go into the field which Conor Gallagher does effectively to maintain alive.
04:32pm
2 minutes: Spurs 0 Man Metropolis 0
The early indicators are that Spurs shall be enjoying a again three, on the fitting of which is Palhinha. Bissouma and Gallagher in entrance of the three centre-halves, with Simons and Kolo Muani supporting Solanke. Spurs look to check Khusanov with an early lengthy ball ahead in direction of Solanke, however the Metropolis defender handled it effectively.
Metropolis then spring a counter-attack via Semenyo towards Palhinha within the inside-left channel, however his side-footed shot was too near Vicario.
04:30pm
KICK OFF!
Spurs get the sport beneath approach.
04:28pm
The groups are out at Spurs
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A mini recreation I get pleasure from enjoying earlier than Spurs dwelling matches now could be ‘spot the South Korean flag’. Was far too straightforward till the departure of a sure beloved attacker. Not Brennan Johnson.
Have typically questioned how lengthy the uplift is for a membership who signal a distinguished participant from a populous however under-represented nation. Sure that there shall be a technology of soccer supporters in South Korea who’re without end Tottenham, however these right here this afternoon haven’t come armed with their nationwide flag.
In equity the one flags I can see at present are a few Spurs-specific designs flapping forlornly within the South stand.
04:26pm
Thomas Frank sees indicators of progress
It could imply so much as a result of there are indicators of us progressing, even with all of the accidents, and stepping into the fitting path. However we’d like consistency and a run of fine outcomes.
The final three performances regarded good, there was extra good than dangerous towards Burnley we might have gained the sport.
04:24pm
An indication of Spurs’ damage issues
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This would be the first recreation Radu Dragusin has began for Tottenham since January 26 final 12 months. It didn’t precisely go to plan, both, as Spurs misplaced 2-1 at dwelling to Leicester Metropolis who have been relegated.
04:18pm
Guardiola on the title race
Completely (on if this can be a key interval within the season), each recreation is one much less and we all know how sturdy is Arsenal however the hope is at all times there.
Bernardo Silva begins in midfield for Man Metropolis – Reuters/David Klein
03:24pm
A take a look at the staff information
It seems to be like Pep Guardiola has taken a lesson from Metropolis’s defeat at Previous Trafford once they have been far too open. Nico O’Reilly in midfield ought to present some pitch protection alongside Rodri. No Doku within the squad, so Cherki will function from the fitting.
Thomas Frank doesn’t have many choices given Spurs’ damage issues, but it surely seems to be like he needs to pack the midfield. Spurs might play a diamond of Palhinha, Bissouma, Gallagher, and Simons behind a entrance two of Kolo Muani and Solanke. Alternatively, Simons and Kolo Muani might play on the flanks.
A again 4 of Grey, Romero, Dragusin and Udogie seems to be about as strong as moist tissue paper, however Spurs have gotten outcomes towards higher Metropolis groups than this.
03:18pm
Spurs staff information: Seems to be like Grey at right-back
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Grey, Dragusin, Romero, Udogie; Bissouma, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Xavi Simons; Solanke
Subs: Kinsky, Tel, Odobert, Sarr, Souza, Olusesi, Kyerematen, Byfield, Rowswell
03:16pm
Man Metropolis staff information: O’Reilly begins in midfield position
Man Metropolis XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Cherki; Haaland
Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Gonzalez, Foden, McAidoo, Alleyne, Lewis
03:04pm
Spurs followers might be in for a painful afternoon no matter occurs
Pep Guardiola has misplaced 9 video games towards Tottenham Hotspur throughout his profession as supervisor, with solely Liverpool bettering that file.
Spurs have been a curious type of bogey staff for Metropolis, and the development continued into the Thomas Frank period with the north London membership operating out comfy 2-0 winners on the Etihad within the early weeks of the season.
Metropolis have gained their final two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium although, ending an extended winless sequence at Spurs’ information floor, and that included a really unusual night time in Could 2024.
Some Spurs followers have been reluctant to cheer on their staff as a result of Metropolis have been going head-to-head with Arsenal for the title, and any type of end result for Spurs would have put their north London rivals inside one win of the league.
Heung-min Son missed a wonderful probability to equalise with just a few minutes to go, and Metropolis scored the second aim to kill the sport shortly after.
Firstly of February, we’re not fairly in the identical situation once more however Frank needed to subject pre-match questions on Spurs followers wanting their very own staff to lose to dent Arsenal.
After Arsenal’s 4-0 victory at Elland Highway, Metropolis discover themselves seven factors behind once more and right this moment’s journey to north London and subsequent Sunday’s recreation at Anfield look key to their title possibilities staying alive.
Spurs will face Semenyo on Sunday when Manchester Metropolis go to and Frank revealed the ex-Bournemouth attacker had been a giant goal for this winter switch window earlier than he determined to hitch Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing aspect.
With solely days of the window left, Tottenham have signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and teenage Brazilian left-back Souza, however bought final season’s main scorer Brennan Johnson and misplaced Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall to severe accidents in January.
It led Frank to acknowledge his present squad of gamers to select from was weaker than at the beginning of this month, however he rejected any notion that majority homeowners Enic – run by the Lewis household Belief – weren’t dedicated to this mission with Spurs down in 14th within the Premier League desk.
Full staff information on the best way shortly.