Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham: Phil Foden goal sends City top
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Phil Foden is the first player born in the 2000s to score a Premier League goal for Man City
Phil Foden's first Premier League goal returned Manchester City to the top of the table as they overcame Champions League conquerors Tottenham at Etihad Stadium.
The 18-year-old's diving header, created by Sergio Aguero, after only five minutes ensured the reigning champions maintained the pressure on rivals Liverpool before their match at Cardiff City on Sunday.
It was, however, a nervous performance in a game a far cry from the drama of Wednesday's European game here as City relied on goalkeeper Ederson to make several crucial saves. They also lost key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne to injury.
Foden gave City the perfect start but Ederson thwarted Son Heung-min on three occasions and saved well from Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura. Son was also denied by a magnificent tackle by Aymeric Laporte.
Raheem Sterling had City's best chance after the break, only to be frustrated by the outstretched leg of Spurs keeper Paulo Gazzaniga - in for injured Hugo Lloris - but Pep Guardiola's side held on to move a point clear of Liverpool with four games left.
Guardiola's men dig deep
The joy at the final whistle was a mixture of celebration and relief. This was a huge win for City and everyone inside the Etihad knew it.
City needed to pick themselves up instantly after the crushing disappointment of their Champions League exit in the knowledge that one slip, even if it came in the shape of a draw, could hand the title to Liverpool.
This was not the fluent City that is their trademark. The other qualities that can make champions came to the fore here - concentration, determination, heart, resilience and character.
Man City will 'fight until the end' for title
And it was in abundant supply throughout the team, from Ederson's outstanding saves, Laporte's priceless tackle on Son and in the outstanding performances of Foden and Bernardo Silva.
Foden showed maturity beyond his years, even apart from his winner, demanding the ball, taking responsibility and directing more experienced players. It is early days but the evidence is clear that he is a special talent.
Silva simply gets better, the ideal combination of limitless energy and creative skill, all employed within the Guardiola framework.
The only downside, a considerable one, was that injury to De Bruyne, which, judging from the player's reaction, may be a problem that threatens his participation in the rest of the season.
This City win will not earn maximum marks for artistic merit, but they did exactly what was needed after the traumatic Champions League exit as they recorded their 10th Premier League win in a row.
Spurs felt City received a generous decision from referee Michael Oliver in the second half when they appealed for handball against Kyle Walker as he challenged with Dele Alli - but it is three points and on to the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Race for the Premier League title | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Date | Liverpool fixtures | Date | Man City fixtures |
21 April | Cardiff (A) | 24 April | Manchester United (A) |
26 April | Huddersfield (H) | 28 April | Burnley (A) |
5 May | Newcastle (A) | 4 May | Leicester (H) |
12 May | Wolves (H) | 12 May | Brighton (A) |
Son now Tottenham's talisman
Son Heung-min may not have punished City as he did on Wednesday, but his performance confirmed he will be Tottenham's torch bearer in the absence of the injured Harry Kane.
When Kane is missing, weight inevitably shifts on to the shoulders of the South Korean, but it is an added burden he carries lightly.
Son was the man who had the Etihad's nerves on edge whenever he had the ball or was in the general vicinity of it.
He brought important saves from Ederson and played with the pace and power that now makes him out as one of the Premier League's finest forwards.
Spurs could not quite replicate their heroics of Wednesday when, even though they lost 4-3 on the night, they made it through to the Champions League semi-finals on aggregate.
It is a result that inflicts some damage because, even though they remain in third place, the defeat offers up more hope to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in the increasingly competitive battle for the top four.
Man of the match - Ederson (Man City)
Ederson's four saves helped Man City keep a 17th Premier League clean sheet of the season
'I couldn't have done what my players did' - what they said
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola: "Both teams have incredible players with heart and personality. It was a real tough game after our mental defeat on Wednesday and we knew we could have lost the Premier League today.
"As a footballer, I could not have done what my players have done today. The title is still in our hands.
"We've been on a remarkable run, playing against an incredible team like Tottenham and fighting for the Premier League with the best Liverpool team ever, one of the best teams I've seen in my life.
"We'll fight until the end and see how far we get."
On goalscorer Phil Foden: "He's so dynamic and adds extra intensity into our game. I wanted more attack and aggression in the box and he brings that to us with his work and ability. He did well today against top players."
Foden: "When an opportunity comes along, I want to be able to take it. Today it paid off. Kun (Aguero) did great to head it back across goal and luckily I was there.
"I want to get in the box and score goals. I look up to every player in this team and try and learn from them."
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino: "It was an amazing game. Both teams competed really well and we deserved more. Ederson was man of the match.
"I am happy; disappointed with the result but so happy with the performance. Our next three games will be decisive in achieving all we want this season."
Mauricio Pochettino 'so happy' with Spurs in defeat
Five successive away defeats for Spurs - the stats
Manchester City have won 25 home games in all competitions this season, the most in a single campaign and the most by an English top-flight club since Manchester United won 26 in 2010-11.
Tottenham have lost five successive league away games for the first time since May 2004, a run of six under manager David Pleat.
City have won their past 10 league games - their longest streak since a run of 18 between August and December 2017, which remains the top-flight record.
Tottenham have lost 11 league games this season, as many as they had in their previous two campaigns combined (4 in 2016-17, 7 in 2017-18).
Phil Foden became the third youngest City player to score in the Premier League after Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge.
Sergio Aguero has now failed to score in his past seven Premier League appearances against Spurs, having netted 10 goals in his first seven against them.
Bernardo Silva was directly involved in seven of Manchester City's 15 shots in the match, having three attempts and creating four.
Tottenham have lost a league game without Harry Kane taking part for the first time since October 2017 at Manchester United.
What's next?
Tottenham host Brighton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday (19:45 BST), while City make the short trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Wednesday (20:00).