Various outlets over the last month have revealed that Phillips is expected to leave Manchester City in January in search of regular game time and that Spurs are ‘very keen’ on signing the midfielder (Football Transfers).

However, unsurprisingly, the Lilywhites are expected to face plenty of competition for the 27-year-old, with reports over the last couple of weeks naming Newcastle as the side who are expected to be Tottenham’s main challengers for the City star (TEAMtalk).

In fact, 90 min even claimed on 17 November that the England international prefers a move to St. James’ Park over the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

(Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Game time is a stumbling block for Phillips to Spurs

Gold has now explained why that is the case, explaining that Phillips’ number one priority is to play regularly ahead of the European Championship next summer.

The player is said to want a guarantee of starts, which Tottenham are not able to offer him at the moment.

Gold also sheds light on Ange Postecoglou’s plans for the midfield role in January, revealing that the Australian wants to sign a number eight, who can get up and down the pitch and contribute in the final third.

Spurs Web Opinion

The Phillips move was always going to be difficult as the City star would not start for Spurs if everyone is fit.

In contrast, he is almost guaranteed to get into Eddie Howe’s starting eleven following Sandro Tonali’s ban, which is why a loan move to the North East is the most likely outcome for the 27-year-old.

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Gil kept his place in the starting eleven after his promising showing against Aston Villa but the Spaniard struggled to influence the game at the Etihad Stadium and was replaced by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at half-time.

However, the winger again showed some glimpses of his quality on the ball, not least in the build-up to Tottenham’s opening goal.

When Spurs cleared a corner to the edge of the box on six minutes, instead of clearing the ball, Gil controlled it and turned his man before sending Dejan Kulusevski away on the left.

The Swede then played a cross-field pass which Son Heung-min ran onto, with Ederson unable to keep out the South Korean’s rasping shot from a tight angle.

Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Bryan Gil receives praise for bravery on the ball

Neville praised Gil for showing the composure to take a couple of extra touches instead of booting the ball clear.

The pundit, who was commentating on the game, said on Sky Sports’ broadcast (03/12/23): “There’s a day gone by when that ball comes to the edge of the box and Gil just sweeps it clear.

“He takes a risk on the edge of his box, but that risk has paid off and his team have scored a goal. It was a lovely little twist and turn.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Gil did very well for that goal but if there is one criticism of the Spaniard’s general pay, it is that he does not always have a picture of what is around him. The 22-year-old dribbles with his head down a lot and often takes a lot more touches than he needs to.

Both against Villa and City, he failed to release Udogie and other runners at the right time, choosing instead to twist and turn with the ball and in the process, needlessly playing himself into a tight area.

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Spurs have been the bogey team for Guardiola’s City side ever since the Spaniard arrived in Manchester back in 2016.

The Lilywhites have broken City hearts at the Etihad in the final stages of matches on a couple of occasions, including the infamous Champions League quarterfinal back in 2019 and the 3-2 win at the Etihad under Antonio Conte almost two years ago.

History repeated itself on Sunday as Spurs refused to lie down, and fought back to level twice in the second half through Giovani Lo Celso and Kulusevski.

The latter’s winner came in the final minute of normal time, with Johnson delivering a dangerous ball from the left, with the Swede outmuscling Nathan Ake at the far-post to send the ball into the top corner, with Ederson rooted to his spot.

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Brennan Johnson impressed Pep with his attack

Guardiola told City’s official channel about Tottenham’s equaliser: “It was a good action. Johnson made a good action, made a good delivery for a full-back on the opposite side it is so difficult to defend this action.

“Kulusevski attacked the ball and the second ball they made good high pressing, Julian [Alvarez] should keep the ball and instead pass to Erling [Haaland], but it doesn’t happen.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It would have been easy for the players to lose their heads after the first half, with City all over us like a rash. Their heads could have also dropped after Yves Bissouma’s mistake, which led to Jack Grealish’s 81st-minute goal.

Instead, the Tottenham players kept believing and going at the home side until the end and got just rewards for their bravery and character.

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The incident occurred in the dying stages of the game with the score poised at 3-3, with Haaland being fouled in his own half.

The striker quickly got up and played the ball over the top of Tottenham’s defence but the referee pulled it back for a foul even though Jack Grealish appeared to be through on goal.

The City players were furious with the decision not to play an advantage and continued their protestations after the full-time whistle, with Haaland storming into the tunnel while continuing to gesticulate about the decision.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Haaland could be in trouble for post-match actions

The Norwegian striker took to social media after the game to share a video of the incident along with the caption ‘WTF’.

Wtf https://t.co/E7GKDiTZAf

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 3, 2023

The Daily Star have revealed that Haaland is now potentially facing charges for blasting Hooper’s decision.

The outlet states that the 23-year-old’s social media post is sure to land him with a misconduct charge over the coming days.

This comes at a time when the FA and the Premier League are trying to clamp down on the disrespect shown to match officials by players and managers (Telegraph).

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that Hooper made an error and one can see why Haaland and the City players were enraged. However, that was not a big chance by any means as Davies had caught up with Grealish. 

Part of Haaland’s frustration probably comes from his own poor performance, with the 23-year-old missing two straight-forward chances, one of which was an absolute sitter.

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Bissouma came back into the starting eleven for Sunday’s game after serving his suspension against Aston Villa last week, and the Mali international looked extremely rusty.

The 27-year-old could not get into the game in the first half as Spurs struggled to get a foothold and the Mali international gave the ball away in dangerous places on a couple of occasions.

While he was not punished for those, City did make him pay when he repeated the mistake on 81 minutes as Bissouma inexplicably attempted to nutmeg Rodri in Tottenham’s own third when he was surrounded by opposition players.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Yves Bissouma did not look himself vs Man City

The home side won the ball back and they had the ball in the back of the net a couple of passes later, with Neville being shocked by what the Spurs midfielder was attempting.

The former Man Utd star said on commentary for Sky Sports (03/12/23 – as relayed by The Express): “What are Spurs doing? They have created their own problems. What is he [Bissouma] doing? The game of madness, Grealish does what Haaland couldn’t in the first half, as he sweeps the ball into a pretty open net.”

Carragher was also critical of Bissouma, suggesting that Ange Postecoglou would not have been pleased with what the former Brighton man did.

The Liverpool legend said after the game: “He needed that, Jack Grealish, he doesn’t score enough goals. That is just absolutely stupid from Bissouma. I certainly don’t think Ange Posteocoglou will think it’s okay either.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is not that mistake from Bissouma that irks me but rather the fact that he decided to hide in another big game away from home.

This is becoming a bit of a pattern with the Mali international, who does not seem to want the ball in some high-pressure games and often takes the easy choice in possession rather than trying the drive the team forward.

At least Bissouma’s mistake for City’s third goal came as a result of him trying to take responsibility and drive the team forward.

I do not think Postecoglou would be particularly critical of the midfielder for that mistake as the Australian would want him to continue taking risks.

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Hardly anyone had given Spurs a chance of getting a result on Sunday, given that they were heading into the game on the back of three straight losses and had many of their key players out injured.

In fact, most pundits predicted that Tottenham would be on the receiving end of an embarrassing scoreline if Postecoglou set the team up to play on the front foot (Sky Sports).

For much of the first half, it looked like those predictions would come true as Spurs made a lot of errors in their own third, with City smothering them with their press.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s men came out with a lot more purpose in the second half and took the game to the home side, showing plenty of character to come back twice from a deficit.

Keane has been one of Tottenham’s biggest critics in the past, even referring to the side as ‘Spursy’ following their loss to Aston Villa last week (Sky Sports: 16:05 – 26/11/23).

Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Spurs seem to earn the respect of Roy Keane, for now

However, the Man Utd legend changed his tune after Spurs’ second-half performance at the Etihad, remarking that they were good value for their point.

The pundit told Sky Sports (as relayed by Football.London) about Tottenham after the 3-3 draw: “They deserve a lot of plaudits. Think about their performance, especially the first half, and to come back at the end. Over the years I have been critical… they deserve the point.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Even when our players were making mistakes and City were all over us in the first half, the players’ heads never dropped. They kept sticking to their principles and kept believing that they could come back and salvage something from the game.

That is certainly proof that this Tottenham side is made of sterner stuff than the Spurs sides of the past, with the squad appearing to have imbibed Postecoglou’s mantra of never stopping until the final whistle.

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While the game was a highly entertaining affair, with plenty of action on both ends of the pitch, a lot of the post-match discussions have been dominated by the controversial decision of referee Simon Hopper, who chose against playing advantage in injury time despite Jack Grealish appearing to be through on goal.

The protestations of the City players continued after the final whistle, with Haaland leading the complaints.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Erling Haaland throws his toys out of the pram

A video shows that 23-year-old being overcome with rage and refusing to shake hands with the Tottenham players as he made his way to the changing room gesticulating with his hands.

This did not sit well with Lo Celso, who barged into his shoulder, with the pair having to be separated by several players and Ange Postecoglou himself.

Watch the incident below:

Haaland is that high school bully who throws his toys out of the pram if things don’t go his way. Lo Celso wasn’t having any of it pic.twitter.com/eBLKtSImsq

— Fpl_MD (@MD_FPL) December 3, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

While there is no doubt that Simon Hooper made an error, the reality is that Grealish’s chance was far from an easy one as Davies had caught up with him. Haaland’s frustration probably comes from his own poor performance, with the striker missing two easy opportunities to score.

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While City had more than enough chances to have won the game, Spurs fought back brilliantly in the second half and were arguably deserving of a point for the character and bravery that they showed.

Haaland was guilty of missing two sitters, one in each half, and the striker was also involved in a controversial moment during injury time.

The 23-year-old was fouled in his own half but got up and played a ball over the top of the Tottenham defence to Jack Grealish, who appeared to be in on goal.

However, referee Simon Hooper blew for a foul on Haaland instead of playing advantage, with the City players apoplectic with the decision.

They continued protesting to the officials after the full-time whistle, with the Norwegian striker overcome with rage as he made his way into the dressing room.

Erling Haaland not happy with Tottenham draw

Haaland seemingly did not calm down after the game as the centre-forward took to social media to share a video of the incident along with the caption: ‘Wtf’.

Wtf https://t.co/E7GKDiTZAf

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 3, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that the referee made a mistake there. It is difficult to understand why he did not play advantage. Perhaps, he thought Grealish might have been offside.

However, this is certainly not a gilt-edged chance for Grealish as Davies had caught up to him and the chances of the England international scoring from that position were still relatively low.

Haaland’s frustration probably comes from his own poor performance where he missed two easy chances and struggled to impose himself on the game despite coming up against two makeshift centre-backs.

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It was a proverbial game of two halves at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with Spurs being quite lucky to get into the interval just 2-1 down, with the home side missing a flurry of chances.

However, Tottenham came out with much more purpose in the second half and were much more decisive on the ball.

Ange Postecoglou’s men fought back to level twice, with Giovani Lo Celso making it 2-2 on 69 minutes before Dejan Kulusevski levelled the scores again on 90 minutes after Jack Grealish had put City back in front again.

There was a controversial moment in injury time as the referee blew for a foul on Erling Haaland instead of playing advantage when Grealish seemed to be in on goal.

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta catches a stray from Pep Guardiola

The City players were furious with the decision and Guardiola admitted that he did not understand why Simon Hooper blew the whistle.

When asked about the incident, the Spanish coach told Sky Sports (03/12/23 from 18:45): “Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment. It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action.”

Guardiola remarked that his side dominated proceedings against ‘a really good team’, suggesting that they were unlucky not to get the win.

He added: “It was a good game, that is the most important thing. It was a pity, same as the Liverpool game, I had the feeling that today that we made an incredible performance in all departments, against a really good team and manager and how they play.

“We created a lot of chances, we were aggressive, incredibly concentrated, and the feeling is that we still want to be there [at the top of the table]. It is a pity. Sometimes football is like life, you do not get what you deserve.”

Spurs Web Opinion

City arguably should have won the game comfortably as Spurs were extremely sloppy in the first half, with too many individual errors being made by our defenders and midfielders.

However, the character and mental resolve we showed to come out in the second half and take the game to City was brilliant to see and Postecoglou was rewarded for his brave approach.

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With three consecutive defeats to their name, Tottenham would probably have wanted to face any other team than Manchester City this weekend, especially at the Etihad. But, Ange Postecoglou‘s side found a way to match the Premier League champions.

Spurs even led the game, for roughly 90 seconds, after Heung-min Son finished off a swift counter-attack at one end, before knocking a Manchester City free kick into his own net moments later.

City went into half-time ahead thanks to a Phil Foden goal, but the Lilywhites came out fighting in the second half and pegged Pep Guardiola’s side back with 20 minutes left through a wonderful Giovani Lo Celso effort.

Ten minutes later, Jack Grealish put City ahead once more, and seemed to have quashed Tottenham’s efforts once and for all. But, with the clock hitting 90 minutes, Brennan Johnson floated the ball into the box and Dejan Kulusevski jumped highest and put the ball in the back of the net to snatch a point.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Kulusevski is proud of Spurs’ fight

Speaking to Sky Sports (3/12/23 at 6:30pm) after the game, Kulusevski commented on his game-changing effort, the way the team played, and how close he feels Spurs came to actually winning the game.

He said: “It was an unbelievable second half from us and I’m proud of the guys and really we have to play like this all season… It was too bad that we conceded that goal because if we kept playing like that we would have won the game but we have to learn.

“There are a lot of things to learn but if we can just learn to get better mentally then we will be on top.”

Kulusevski also spoke to BBC Match of the Day about the character of the team and Postecoglou’s impact, adding: “I think the team itself has a strong belief but first half was not good enough. The coach was very angry at half-time. He said ‘guys stop thinking, just play’ and we came out better.

“The football is there, the coach is there and we can be at the top in the future.”

Spurs Web Opinion

What a performance from Kulusevski today, and he popped up when it really mattered again, too. He is really making that central role his own, and it will be interesting to see how Postecoglou navigates that once players like Maddison are back from injury.

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Ironically, Giovani Lo Celso is a player who would arguably have been nowhere near the starting lineup today, had it not been for injuries to the likes of James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pape Sarr.

The Argentinian returned to North London this summer after two years away in Spain on loan at Villarreal, and seemingly did enough to retain his place in Ange Postecoglou‘s squad for the season.

Lo Celso struggled for minutes in the early stages of the campaign, but has taken his chances of late and appears to be carving out quite the comeback at Spurs.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Giovani Lo Celso achieves 100% passing accuracy

Following on from a fine goal against Aston Villa last weekend, the 27-year-old scored again this weekend to help Spurs to a share of the spoils at the Etihad. But, judging by the statistics from WhoScored, Lo Celso’s contribution goes deeper than just scoring a goal.

Lo Celso registered a rating of 7.06 out of 10, which was only bettered by three of his teammates today. He achieved a 100% passing accuracy ratio from his 40 passes in the game, and managed 52 touches of the ball before being substituted in the 79th minute.

Another key performance from @LoCelsoGiovani pic.twitter.com/14nw6TnlTh

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) December 3, 2023

In addition to scoring a goal, Lo Celso also made one interception, won five ground duels, completed one cross, and one accurate long through ball.

Spurs Web Opinion

What a redemption story this is proving to be! I’ve been really impressed with Lo Celso since he came into the side these last couple of games, and the fact he is contributing goals is a real bonus. It looks like he will be the man we rely on in the middle of the park until January at least, and based on recent evidence, we will be just fine.

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On the back of defeats to Chelsea, Wolves, and Aston Villa, the last thing Tottenham needed was a trip to the home of the Premier League champions. That challenge was made even more daunting by the injury crisis affecting Ange Postecoglou‘s squad of late.

With key players like James Maddison and Micky van de Ven out injured until the New Year, and Cristian Romero still serving a suspension, Postecoglou has been forced to call upon the likes of Emerson Royal, Ben Davies, and Giovani Lo Celso to plug the gaps.

Today, the players who were available did a fine job in matching Pep Guardiola’s men right until the very end. Despite City’s dominance, Spurs battled hard and grabbed a late equaliser through Dejan Kulusevski at the end of regulation time to take a point away from the Etihad.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Son is happy with one of his goals against City

Heung-min Son had got the game off to an entertaining start, first finishing off a sweeping counter-attack to put Spurs ahead early on, before prodding the ball into his own net after a City free-kick just moments later.

Despite scoring at both ends of the pitch, Spurs captain Heung-min Son was not about to let an own goal tarnish the fact he and his side took a valuable point away from Pep Guardiola’s side today.

When asked about his own goal, he told Sky Sports (3/12/23 at 6:30 pm): “That’s football, sometimes it happens. I tried to do the best thing for the team and couldn’t react but still good experience to score against Man City.”

Spurs Web Opinion

When a dangerous ball comes into the box, there is always the risk of a leg poking the ball in the wrong direction, and it’s just a shame Sonny was on the end of that one today. His performance was quality overall, though, and no one is about to hold that own goal against him, I’m sure.

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Ange Postecoglou went into the game against Manchester City today having to deal with a growing injury list, and his top centre-back, Cristian Romero, still out due to a suspension. Still, speaking before the game, the Australian insisted he would not change his ways.

He is true to his word, too, as his Tottenham side well and truly went for it against the Premier League champions, despite the odds being against them from the start.

Spurs took the lead early on thanks to a Heung-min Son goal, but the skipper then turned the ball into his own net moments later. City went in at half-time in the lead, after Phil Foden rounded off a lovely move by Pep Guardiola’s side.

But, in the second half, Tottenham nullified the threat of City and got themselves back in the game through a Giovani Lo Celso goal. Ten minutes later, City had the lead once more through Jack Grealish, but Spurs did not stop battling, and got their reward when Dejan Kulusevski prodded the ball home on the stroke of 90 minutes.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Postecoglou knows Spurs have more to give

In his post match interview with Sky Sports (3/12/23 at 6:30pm), Postecoglou discussed his approach to the game and how important it was not to fold and change the system.

He said: “We weren’t anywhere near the the level of our standards and City will do that to you, they are unbelievable. They put pressure on you and haven’t lost too many games here at the Etihad. Second half we had more belief in ourselves and the team we want to be and we clawed our way back into the game.”

On the character his players showed, he added: “It has been there all year, the last few results have hidden that a little but we are at the bare bones a little bit. I have asked players to play in unfamiliar positions but we have still played some decent football.

“I think the character has been there all year but we certainly needed it today. City are an unbelievable team and there are times where you just have to hang on like we did today.”

Despite a tricky first half, Postecoglou believes his side got what they deserved though, saying: “It was an entertaining game, plenty in it. We were lucky to be in it by half-time, City could have blown us away in that period, a bit similar to what happened to us against Villa last week.

“We hung in there, second half were a lot better, a lot more control and a lot more belief in the team. We got our reward for that which is great for the lads.”

Spurs Web Opinion

One thing’s for sure, watching Spurs is never dull these days. A brilliant game for the neutral, and ultimately, a decent result for an injury-plagued Spurs side. Ange and the players have to be commended for just going for it, which is exactly the kind of bravery and commitment we want as fans.

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Spurs took the lead early on through a finely worked Heung-min Son goal, but the Tottenham skipper awkwardly knocked the ball into his own net less than two minutes later. City then took the lead through a wonderful team goal, finished off by Phil Foden, to hold the advantage at halftime. 

However, it was the Lilywhites who came out fighting in the second half, levelling through a Giovani Lo Celso effort with 20 minutes to go. All that hard work was almost undone when Yves Bissouma gave the ball away on the edge of his own box, and Jack Grealish slotted home what appeared to be the winner.

Right on the stroke of 90 minutes, however, Spurs got themselves back in the game once more, after Brennan Johnson floated an inviting ball into the box for Dejan Kulusevski to poke home and spoil City’s party.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Postecoglou wants players to believe in themselves

Speaking to Sky Sports (3/12/23 at 6:30 pm) after the game, Ange Postecoglou revealed the instructions he gave his players at half-time, and insisted he wasn’t angry at the team at all.

He said: “There would probably only be a few words I can say. Joking aside it was more trying to get the players to believe in themselves rather than anger at them. I’m always mindful that from where I am on the touchline it seems simple but out there against an unbelievable team it is difficult.

“It was a case of whatever happens I will take responsibility, particularly if it doesn’t go well. But just go out there and believe in yourselves.

“How you react to the tough periods factor in how you are measured in the course of the season. We stuck to our guns and our beliefs, we aren’t out of the tough period yet, we’re going to be thin going into January but how you react is important for what we are trying to build.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Whatever Ange said at half-time, it did the trick. The Spurs players came out and made life really difficult for City, which is evident in the fact the home side failed to register a shot for around 35 minutes in the second half. The spirit and belief in this Tottenham side right now is unlike anything I’ve seen at the club in a very, very long time.

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Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the 3-3 result:

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Stopping the Slide –

The biggest takeaway for me is the fact that Tottenham prevented a fourth successive Premier League defeat. Not because it would have made any difference to the long-term project, but because it completely changes the headlines for Spurs this week. They have gone from serial losers and ‘is Postecoglou getting found out?’ to brave Tottenham who played City at their own game and got a point. That is huge for morale.

That Kulusevski Magic –

Three games at the Etihad and three goals for Dejan Kulusevski! It’s fast becoming his favourite away ground in the Premier League, and that is saying something. I was really impressed by his tenacious work in the pockets in the first half as he started in that number ten role again – up against Rodri no less. On the right in the second 45, he had acres to run into. At times, I want to see that Dejan of a year ago when he would take players out wide with his right foot just as often as cutting in. But there is no arguing with his work rate or his ability to put the ball into Man City’s net!

Ange Ball Strikes Again –

All the build-up to the game was about how Postecoglou simply could not play his style of football away to Man City with so many absent players and come out with anything but a hiding. Once again, Postecoglou showed that you don’t have to bow to the big sides. Even if Spurs had lost this evening, I still think people are missing the point. It is not about the short-term with Ange. Win, lose or draw, it’s about creating a new culture and a new way of playing at the club. You don’t change everything just because someone is injured, you simply teach every member of your squad to play the same way and improve together. It’s all a process and the signs are very positive for the long term.

Champions League Places –

Thanks to that point, Tottenham remain in what could be the Champions League places come the end of the season (if England are handed a fifth slot). They remain one point ahead of Newcastle and are just two behind Aston Villa in fourth. But perhaps more importantly, they once again showed they can mix it with the big boys.

Returning Players –

In theory, Tottenham’s woes should get ever so slightly lighter by the next game. Cristian Romero’s ban is now over and Richarlison made an appearance off the bench for Spurs. It’s not much compared to the long list of absentees, but it at least relieves some stress on the starting XI. And I would imagine Romero and Davies will now become the regular back two for the foreseeable future.

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Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:

Tottenham Hotspur’s Swedish midfielder #21 Dejan Kulusevski (C) vies with Manchester City’s Portuguese midfielder #20 Bernardo Silva (L) and Manchester City’s Argentinian striker #19 Julian Alvarez (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on December 3, 2023. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Tottenham Player Ratings vs Man City

Guglielmo Vicario – 7.5 – Made some decent stops throughout, the highlight being that diving tip around the corner at the start of the second 45. Also had to do a lot of work with his feet today. Absolutely nothing to complain about. Steady pair of hands, steady pair of feet.

Pedro Porro – 5.5 – It felt like Porro was a little afraid of Doku today, and that is understandable. The right-back opted to step off and off and off rather than meeting Doku head-on. As a result, the Man City winger was able to push his way into the box over and over again, causing a lot of trouble. When the game opened up, Porro was much better in the pockets in an attacking sense.

Emerson Royal – 4 – While it feels harsh to slam Emerson for defensive mistakes while playing out of position, I was disappointed with him on the ball today. He looked nervous with every touch under pressure and gave the ball away in some shocking areas.

Ben Davies – 6 – Once again, you have to remember he is a left-back playing in a back two. I thought Davies did some good work today, but also struggled to deal with the Man City runners. For every solid piece of defending, there was one instance where he looked a little lost.

Destiny Udogie – 6.5 – Not his usual self on the ball in the first half and was nowhere near as much of a threat going forward. Picked up a silly first-half yellow that puts him one away from a suspension and left him walking a tightrope. Much better in the second 45 when he started to contribute going forward.

Yves Bissouma – 5 – It just felt like Bissouma wasn’t switched on today. He has been in and out of the team for the past month, but there were a few times he seemed to lack concentration off the ball. You can’t turn your back on this Man City side for a second. Then, at the most vital of moments, he lost concentration on the ball too. It was a shame because he looked class in the second half.

Giovani Lo Celso – 8 – He at least added the odd positive pass in that midfield, which was really needed at times. Spurs lost some of that solidity that perhaps you need at times under siege. He then stepped up at the perfect moment to bring Spurs level. Looked really dangerous when the game opened up.

Dejan Kulusevski – 8 – Impressed in some really tight situations. Up against the best defensive midfielder in the world, he wriggled free into some great areas. Did well to set up Son’s goal with the ball over the top. Had so much space in the second 45, I just wanted to see him use his right foot and go down the line a bit more. But what a leap in the dying moments to earn Spurs a point!

Brennan Johnson – 7 – Drifted in and out of the game. Showed blistering pace to beat Gvardiol down the right and almost set up Son. Was a little selfish with some shots around the edge of the box when they were good passes on at times. Then, just when Spurs needed a moment, he delivered a pin-point cross for the winner!

Heung-min Son – 8 – Considering he fed off scraps for large parts of the game, I thought Son’s hold-up play was a lot better today. Opened the scoring and assisted Lo Celso’s too, popping up in two key moments when Tottenham needed him most. Could have had a couple more had Gil and Kulusevski played in some earlier crosses.

Bryan Gil – 7 – Unfortunate to go off at half-time but Spurs perhaps needed to change something as they were far too open. Gil is a chaotic little player and will run for you all day long. He had some lovely moments on the ball and set up the Spurs opener with a brave pass in his own box. He just needs more consistency with that final pass.

Substitutes: 

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7 – Hojbjerg was actually really steady after coming on at half-time. It was the right call by Postecoglou. Defended his own box well but used the ball nicely too.

Oliver Skipp – 5 – Only came on for 15 minutes but threw himself about to earn that point.

Richarlison – N/A – Lovely to see him back.

Jamie Donley – N/A – What a great experience for the young lad!

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Ange Postecoglou’s side head into the break currently 2-1 behind after the North Londoners had earlier taken the lead through Heung-min Son.

Guglielmo Vicario: City have been trying to put the Italian under pressure from their countless corner kicks, could do little for either goal. 6.

Pedro Porro: Has done well in dealing with the threat of Doku down the right.  At times you have to sympathise with the Spaniard’s positioning. 7.

Emerson Royal: Gifted City the ball in a dangerous area and uncharacteristically Haaland pulled his shot wide.  Struggling in the centre half role. 6.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Ben Davies: Got turned inside out by Doku, thankfully the shot came back off the bar. Decided to drop deeper when the rest of the Spurs defence kept their line on the edge of the box for Foden’s goal. 5.

Destiny Udogie: A rash challenge on Foden saw him pick up his fourth booking of the season. 5.

Yves Bissouma: Recalled following his one-match ban.  Lost the ball in his own half just after the half hour mark which should have seen Haaland add a third. 5.

Giovani Lo Celso: Needs to do far more to help out the rest of his midfield. 5.

Bryan Gil: Did brilliantly well to set the counter attack away for Son’s opener.  Should have looked to have released the captain just prior to the haf hour mark with an earlier pass that could have created a good chance on goal. 6.

Dejan Kulusevski: Has done really well in his central role and has given Rodri problems. 7.

Heung-min Son: A brilliant run from the South Korean saw him outmuscle Doku and finish neatly beyond Ederson.  Scored at both ends inside ten minutes when City’s cross came off his thigh. 6.

Brennan Johnson: His pace is a threat to the City defence, however, with Spurs having their backs to the wall it just hasn’t been an option. 6.

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Tottenham make the trip to the home of the current champions in far-from-ideal circumstances with a number of key players unavailable for selection after a horrible spell of injuries has left the Australian unable to call upon Rodrigo Bentancur, Micky van de Ven, Pape Matar Sarr, James Maddison, Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon among others, while Cristian Romero is still unable to take his place in defence due to suspension.

Yves Bissouma is available for selection after serving his one-match ban against Aston Villa after picking up five Premier League bookings this season.

Tottenham have lost their last three Premier League matches, having been unbeaten in their previous 11 and face a City side who have lost just two of their past 13 top flight home matches against the North Londoners.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Tottenham team news vs Manchester City

Spurs’ record of eight wins, two draws and three defeats is the same as they had after 13 Premier League matches of last season under Antonio Conte. They lost 2-1 at home against Liverpool in their 14th league fixture.

Last season, Spurs had to rely on the brilliance of Harry Kane to take all three points last season following a 3-2 win in one of the greatest individual performances in Premier League history, however, with the striker now at Bayern Munich, the fans will be looking to the likes of Heung-min Son to prove to be the thorn in City’s side.

This is who takes to the field at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon:

Man City XI: Ederson, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, Walker(c), Álvarez, Akanji, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Haaland, Doku

Subs: Bobb, Lewis, Phillips, Grealish, Aké, Ortega, Gómez, Stones, Kovacic

Spurs: Vicario, Porro, Davies, Udogie, Emerson Royal, Lo Celso, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Gil, Johnson, Son(c)

Subs: Højbjerg, Véliz, Skipp, Forster, Austin, Yago Santiago, Dorrington, Donley, Richarlison

Your starting XI for #MCITOT pic.twitter.com/hNE7R9D4Q3

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 3, 2023

COYS

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A trip to the Etihad Stadium to face the Premier League champions is never an easy fixture, especially when Tottenham have been on the receiving end of three successive defeats in recent matches having gone unbeaten in their opening ten top flight outings.

Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Can Spurs avoid defeat at Man City?

Postecoglou’s squad has been decimated by injury with the Australian down to the bare bones when it comes to selection in certain areas with the likes of Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon sidelined while Cristian Romero serves the final match of his three-game suspension.

Spurs have defeated Manchester City six times in the Premier League since Pep Guardiola joined the club in 2016 – the most of any team and will certainly be hoping that against all odds, they can come away from the game with something.

Among the players spotted arriving in Manchester were Heung-min Son, Pedro Porro and Giovani Lo Celso.

Afternoon, lads pic.twitter.com/IPunEtTgNu

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 3, 2023

COYS

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Taking on Man City at the Etihad Stadium is not the fixture that Ange Postecoglou’s men would have wanted when they are trying to turn around a three-game losing streak.

Tottenham have been ravaged by a major injury crisis, with Postecoglou even admitting on Friday that he has not had so many players out at the same time over the course of his two-decade-long coaching career (Football.London).

Unsurprisingly, no one is giving Spurs any chance of getting anything from the game on Sunday, with the likes of Paul Merson (Sky Sports) and Chris Sutton (BBC City) backing Pep Guardiola’s men to hand the Lilywhites a hammering.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Do Tottenham have any hope against Man City?

Lawrenson has become the latest pundit to make a similar prediction, backing City to win comfortably despite their lacklustre showing against Liverpool last week.

He told Paddypower (as relayed by Sportskeeda): “Tottenham started so brightly against Aston Villa last week, but they ran out of steam a bit.

“Ange Postecoglou started a few players who have hardly had any minutes as well. Manchester City v Liverpool was dull, which every 12.30 pm game is as we know. I’ll go for a big City win.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not remember the last time Spurs went into any game as such huge underdogs, with not a single pundit predicting anything other than an absolute hammering for us.

That also means that the pressure is completely off the Tottenham players and that can be quite dangerous for City as we do have players who can hurt them.

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