Man city stunned by spurs
Goals from Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Harry
Kane and Erik Lamela ensured a controversial win
over the Premier League table toppersHarry Kane
ended his long wait for a Tottenham goal as his
side came from 1-0 down to thrash Manchester
City 4-1 at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Kevin De Bruyne's third goal in as many games
put the Premier League leaders in front midway
through the first half but Eric Dier's superb strike
levelled matters in the 45th minute.
Toby Alderweireld's header handed Spurs the lead
before Kane fired in a controversial first goal of
the season to put Mauricio Pochettino's men 3-1
up. Erik Lamela's composed finish completed a
sensational comeback as City conceded three in
one half for the first time in two years.
The win moves Spurs to within three points of City,
who have now lost back-to-back Premier League
games and will relinquish top spot in the table
should Manchester United beat Sunderland later
on Saturday.
Chances were few and far between in the opening
exchanges, though Hugo Lloris reacted well to
turn Sergio Aguero's curling effort wide of the post
before the Argentina striker was denied by a good
block from Jan Vertonghen.
Tottenham began to grow into the game but
handed City the advantage on 25 minutes. Kyle
Walker's loose pass on the edge of the City area
allowed Yaya Toure to burst forward on the break
and pick out De Bruyne, who fired low beneath
Lloris from the right of the box.
A fine low save from Lloris prevented Raheem
Sterling from doubling City's lead within two
minutes, before Lamela lashed over the bar when
under little pressure inside the area and Willy
Caballero - included in the starting XI with regular
number one Joe Hart on the bench due to a minor
injury - denied Kane's fierce drive.
The former Malaga goalkeeper could do nothing to
prevent Dier levelling the scores in the 45th
minute, though. His point-blank save from Son
Heung-min saw the ball break to the 21-year-old
outside the area and he drilled a low shot through
the crowded box and into the bottom corner.
City - aggrieved that Tottenham's goal was
allowed to stand despite Kyle Walker being clearly
offside in the build-up - started the second half on
the front foot but Spurs snatched the lead when
Alderweireld headed Lamela's free-kick over the
stranded Caballero, who tried and failed to claim
the cross.
Spurs had their tails up and they doubled their lead
just past the hour mark as Kane brought an end to
a domestic goal drought lasting 748 minutes -
albeit in controversial fashion - as he fired in the
rebound after Christian Eriksen's free kick
clattered the crossbar despite standing in an
offside position.
City pushed for a way back into the match and
Jesus Navas' stinging drive had Lloris at full
stretch before Sterling pulled a low shot wide. At
the other end, the offside flag came to City's
rescue when Son poked Nacer Chadli's header
over the line.
Lamela clinched the points for Spurs in fine style
with a little over 10 minutes to play, collecting
Clinton N'Jie's pass on the break before working
his way around Caballero and slotting home.
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