Dominic Solanke produced a stunning piece of improvisation as Tottenham came from two goals down to earn a point and deliver a serious setback to Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes.
City were in total control at half-time as goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo emphasised their domination, with Thomas Frank’s team enduring another hostile reaction from their own fans.
Solanke gave Spurs hope by pulling one back before he showed superb presence of mind to divert Conor Gallagher’s cross, which was behind him, over City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It capped a comeback which seemed unthinkable at half-time, with City outclassing Spurs with embarrassing ease.
City had already threatened before Cherki put them ahead, the Spurs defence allowing him to advance unchecked to send a low shot beyond the reach of keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Cherki almost added a second after a superb run and cross-shot that was diverted wide by a vital touch from Vicario.
City’s second seemed inevitable, eventually arriving moments before half-time when Spurs defender Radu Dragusin’s poor clearance was collected by Rodri. He found Bernardo Silva, who slipped in Semenyo for a cool finish.
Spurs, as so often in recent times, were jeered off at half-time but finally roused themselves after the break to at least put City under pressure.
The previously unemployed Donnarumma saved superbly from Destiny Udogie before Spurs offered some hope when Solanke bundled home, although City were furious, believing he had fouled Marc Guehi.
Solanke then produced a moment to live long in the memory as Spurs drew level, delivering a so-called “scorpion kick” to turn Gallagher’s cross beyond Donnarumma’s reach.
The result left City six points behind leaders Arsenal, while Spurs, who have suffered so much misery at home this season, deserve huge credit for such a show of spirit when all seemed lost.
Man City analysis: Careless and very costly
If anyone had suggested at half-time that City would leave Spurs with anything less than three points, they would have been laughed out of north London.
Pep Guardiola’s side were two goals ahead and in such control that it seemed a matter of how many City would score rather than whether Spurs would make a comeback.
The goals from Cherki and Semenyo were no more than City deserved as Spurs looked hapless, the home crowd silent until the jeers at half-time.
Instead, City emerged from the second half soft-pedalling and complacent, offering Spurs hope when there was none before.
Frank’s side were given belief by City’s carelessness that ended with two crucial points behind cast aside and Arsenal sitting pretty at the top.
Guardiola cut a frustrated figure at the final whistle, perhaps realising the damage this result could do as the vulnerability that has troubled City this season surfaced again.
This was a game City had won then threw away, and such performances cost titles.
By BBC Sports
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