Pep Guardiola has vowed that Manchester City will not surrender their Premier League title defence, despite a dramatic collapse against Tottenham that left them six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
City appeared to be cruising toward a vital victory in north London after first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo gave them a 2-0 cushion. However, a spirited second-half fightback from injury-ravaged Spurs turned the game on its head.
The turning point came when Dominic Solanke bundled home a scrappy first goal. Despite replays showing Solanke accidentally kicking City defender Marc Guehi in the build-up, a VAR review allowed the goal to stand—much to the fury of the City bench.
The ‘Scorpion’ sting
As City struggled to regain control, Solanke produced a moment of pure magic to level the scores. Meeting a Conor Gallagher cross, the striker arched his body to flick a sensational “scorpion kick” past the helpless Ederson.
The draw means City have won just one of their last six league games, a slump that has allowed Arsenal to pull away following the Gunners’ 4-0 demolition of Leeds on Saturday.
‘If it’s a defender, it’s a penalty’
A visibly frustrated Guardiola, who was booked for his protests, focused his anger on the officiating of Spurs’ first goal.
“If a central defender does it to a striker, it’s a penalty,” the City boss said after the match. “The momentum is difficult to control after an emotional issue like that.”
However, he remained defiant about the title race:
- The Gap: City currently trail Arsenal by six points.
- The Games: 14 matches remain in the season.
- The Verdict: “As much as the chance is there, the hopes will always be there,” Guardiola insisted.
Relief for Thomas Frank
For Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, the result provides a crucial lifeline. Under pressure following a run of poor domestic form, Frank’s side showed remarkable resilience despite missing 11 senior players through injury.
“I’m extremely happy,” Frank said. “This team’s ability to respond to setbacks shows everything about what they are building. I am very proud.”
Analysis: A season of transition?
By Segun Ojumu, Africa Eye News
Manchester City are beginning to show a vulnerability we haven’t seen in years. The lack of a “clean sheet” mentality and the recent trend of dropping points from winning positions suggests that the injuries Guardiola alluded to are finally taking a toll.
While City are bolstered by players returning to fitness, Arsenal look like a machine that has found its rhythm again. Solanke’s audacious equaliser felt like more than just a goal; it felt like a shift in the title race’s gravity. Guardiola has 14 games to find a solution, but for the first time in a long time, the destiny of the trophy feels like it is firmly in North London’s hands.
Manchester City face a quick turnaround before their next fixture.
Add Comment