Stunning win sees Tottenham close in on top spot as Manchester City drop off pace

Christian Eriksen scored a late winner as Tottenham rode their luck to beat Manchester City 2-1 and return to second in the Premier League.

While Arsenal’s win over Leicester earlier in the day was a thrilling end-to-end contest, the second part of the top-four showdown Sunday was a tense and tight affair for long periods. After a first half of few talking points, the second exploded into action when Spurs were awarded a highly debatable penalty, with referee Mark Clattenburg pointing to the spot after Danny Rose’s cross appeared to strike the rib or armpit – not the arm – of the unlucky Raheem Sterling.

Harry Kane struck the penalty down the middle, but there was a bitter feeling of injustice around the Etihad Stadium. That sentiment stirred City into a fightback and Kelechi Iheanacho, a super-sub for City already this season, did the business again from the bench, rifling in Gael Clichy’s cross to level.

City were in the ascendancy in the latter stages and looked the more likely to go on and claim all three points, but Spurs stung them with seven minutes to play. Substitute Erik Lamela’s fresh legs had the City defence on the back foot and the Argentine’s perfectly-weighted pass through the legs of Nicolas Otamendi found Eriksen, who kept his cool to slot past the advancing Joe Hart.

The win is a massive one for Spurs, who move ahead of their North London rivals Arsenal on goal difference to stay within two points of leaders Leicester, with Manchester City staying fourth and six points off the pace.

10’ - AGUERO CHANCE! Silva's cross is flicked on by Fernandinho to an off-balance Aguero, who hooks the ball over the bar from close range.

24’ - ROSE BLOCK! Danny Rose makes a vital and very brave block for Spurs, throwing himself at Sterling's shot and catching it straight in the chest.

29’ - ERIKSEN CHANCE! The Dane goes for goal from 25 yards and Hart is almost beaten, but he manages to get something behind it.

49’ - AGUERO CHANCE! Big miss by the Argentine as a cross is deflected high into the air and finds Aguero alone at the far post, but he miscues his volley high over the bar.

53’ - PENALTY! Sterling is adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Looked harsh but Spurs have a big chance now.

53’ - GOAL! Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham: Kane dinks the ball down the middle and Spurs have the lead.

74’ - GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Tottenham: Iheanacho scores! The Nigerian has done it again from the bench, rifling the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards after Clichy had picked him out.

83’ - GOAL! Manchester City 1-2 Tottenham: Eriksen scores for Spurs! Lamela burst forward on the break and slides the ball through Otamendi's legs to Eriksen, who keeps his cool to slot past Hart.

Christian Eriksen has had a hand in five goals (three goals, two assists) in his last five Premier League appearances for Spurs.

Harry Kane has now scored 15 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances.

Man City have won just one of their 10 Premier League games against sides currently in the top eight this season (D3 L6).

Was it a penalty? No, definitely not, and Mark Clattenburg will be embarrassed when he watches it back. Rose’s cross struck the armpit of Sterling, who was certainly not trying to deliberately block the cross or, indeed, trying to handle it. But having clawed their way back into the game, City only have themselves to blame for letting it slip.

Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham): A rock at the back once again for Spurs alongside Kevin Wimmer as he reduced Aguero’s influence on the game and led the Tottenham defence by example.

Manchester City: Hart 6, Zabaleta 6, Kompany 6, Otamendi 6, Clichy 7, Fernandinho 7, Fernando 7, Toure 6, Sterling 7, Silva 7, Aguero 6. Subs: Iheanacho 8, Kolarov 7.

Tottenham: Lloris 7, Walker 7, Alderweireld 9, Wimmer 8, Rose 7, Dembele 8, Dier 8, Eriksen 8, Alli 7, Son 7, Kane 6. Subs: Carroll 7, Lamela 8, Chadli n/a.