Erling Haaland fires Man City back into top four with Tottenham win

The Norwegian's 12th-minute tap-in, set up by a dazzling run from Jeremy Doku, proved the difference in a match that showcased both City's attacking flair and their frustrating fragility this season.

The win propelled Pep Guardiola's side into fourth place, a vital step toward securing Champions League football next term.

However, for a team that have lifted the Premier League trophy in six of the last seven seasons, battling for a top-four finish feels like unfamiliar territory.

City's dominance has faded this campaign, with Liverpool - 20 points clear at the summit after a 2-0 win over City last Sunday - poised to claim the title. Knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and with only the FA Cup left to chase, Guardiola admitted this isn't the City of old but vowed a return to their peak.

"We won't be the old City this season - they were too good," Guardiola said after the match. "But we will be back. Today, we started well but didn't kill the game in the first half. Second half, we suffered - Tottenham always have their 20 or 25 minutes here.

"We've given away too much this season, and up top, we've missed chances. Today, thankfully, we held on."

City were electric early on, with Haaland forcing a save from Guglielmo Vicario before converting Doku's pinpoint cross. Savinho should have doubled the lead, blazing over from eight yards, while Doku himself tested Vicario with a low drive.

Yet, their wastefulness left the door ajar, and Tottenham roared back after the break.

Ederson denied headers from Kevin Danso and Rodrigo Bentancur, while Wilson Odobert spurned a golden chance to level the score from Pedro Porro's delivery.

Tottenham, languishing in 13th and chasing Europa League salvation to end a 17-year trophy drought, showed fight but lacked precision.

Manager Ange Postecoglou lamented his side's first-half impatience. "We were too eager to push forward and wasted the ball," he said. "Against City, that lets them find a rhythm and pick you off. Second half, we dominated territory and looked more like ourselves, but we needed a goal and fell short. It's disappointing, but there's something to build on."

City's latest step forward follows a mixed week, with their social media buzzing post-match. A club post on X hailed Haaland's "clinical edge," while Guardiola's comments about "rebuilding for the future" sparked debate among fans online. Tottenham, meanwhile, have now lost three of their last five league games, with Postecoglou's X update urging his squad to "keep believing" despite the setback.

For City, the three points keep their season alive, but the cracks remain. Tottenham, though defeated, showed glimpses of a brighter tomorrow. Both clubs know there's work ahead - but for now, Haaland's boot has given City bragging rights and a foothold in the race for Europe.

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