Tottenham holds back Manchester City in 2-2 draw

Tottenham Hotspur fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester City at a lively Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, denting the champions’ title push and boosting the mood around Ange Postecoglou’s side after a difficult first half.

Manchester City appeared in full control before the break. Rayan Cherki opened the scoring in the 11th minute after being set up by Erling Haaland, before Antoine Semenyo doubled the visitors’ lead just before half-time, finishing from Bernardo Silva’s assist to send City in 2-0 up at the interval.

Spurs were transformed after the restart and found a way back into the contest through Dominic Solanke. 

The striker pulled one back in the 53rd minute following a move involving Xavi Simons, lifting the home crowd and shifting the momentum decisively in Tottenham’s favour.

Solanke struck again 17 minutes later to complete the comeback, this time finishing from Conor Gallagher’s pass to make it 2-2. 

The goal capped an outstanding individual display and sparked belief that Spurs could even go on to claim all three points.

“It was a game of two halves. The first half was difficult we could not get near them at times. The second half was a different story. In the second half we were great and grew with confidence and belief and could have gone on to win it. We know we need to start games quicker.” Solanke said.

Both sides pushed for a winner in a tense finale, with nine minutes of stoppage time adding to the drama. 

Manchester City struggled to reassert control, while Tottenham defended resolutely, clearing late balls into the box and surviving appeals for a penalty involving Haaland.

The draw leaves City six points behind league leaders Arsenal, with concerns growing over their second-half output after failing to register a shot on target after the break. 

For Tottenham, the spirited comeback offered encouragement, with Solanke’s performance in particular underlining his growing importance and earning him a standing ovation as he was substituted late on.