Tops
Starting at kick-off, Jérémy Doku was key in Manchester City’s attacks. Often stuck to the touchline, the former Rennais was found countless times on his right wing, and tried his luck several times. He could even have turned into a scorer, if the bar had not opposed his attempt in the 30th minute. And Grealish found the net. Entered to replace the Belgian (52nd), he was a constant danger for the Spurs defense. Through the quality of his right foot, he distributed excellent crosses, and scored what City at one point thought would be the winning goal (81st). Two top players for one place, Pep Guardiola has a dilemma that many coaches would dream of having.
Coming off three defeats in a row, hampered by the absence of numerous injuries, Postacoglou’s men could have started this meeting timidly. However, it was they who opened the scoring through their inevitable captain Heung-Min Son. Trailing and deprived of the ball, they were still able to react with a furious strike from Lo Celso. Finally, just as City looked to be heading for victory, Kulusevski slammed in a winning header in added time. This group seems to be launching a new era at Tottenham, and this meeting could well be one of the founding acts.
After the exceptional draw between Chelsea and Manchester City a few weeks ago, Liverpool’s victory against Fulham in added time (4-3) on Sunday afternoon, the English championship once again delivered a match of which only it has the secret. The Hollywood scenarios and the well-polished play offered by many teams have become the trademark of the Premier League, and this is not to displease us. The comparison with the French championship, whose eleventh day of Ligue 1 only produced eleven goals, is not to the advantage of the French championship.
Flops
An event took place on the pitch of the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland, starter at the forefront of the Manchester City attack, did not score. However, the Norwegian striker had the opportunities, especially in the first half where he missed a big opportunity alone in front of goal (13th). He could also have given his team a two-goal lead (37th), but his shot from the penalty spot went well over. No worries, the “cyborg” is still the top scorer in the Premier League with 14 goals.
After the draw against Chelsea (4-4) and that against Liverpool (1-1) last weekend, Manchester City has just won a third consecutive draw. A first in six years for the Skyblues, who frankly are not doing their business. With this single point obtained at home, Pep Guardiola’s flock let Liverpool steal second place from them, and allowed Arsenal to take a four-point lead at the top of the championship. The Citizens will have to pull themselves together against Aston Villa next Wednesday.
Established on the right flank of the Tottenham attack, the 22-year-old Spaniard missed out on his match, or rather his half-time. In a first act where the Spurs had a lot of difficulty projecting themselves, his numerous losses of the ball in offensive transition cost the Spurs. For his second start of the season, the young winger did not score any points. He was also replaced at the break by Hojbjerg, who made a fairly neutral start.