By Daily Sports on February 15, 2016

Nigerian prodigy Kelechi Iheanacho made instant impact when he came in late in yesterday’s big game between Manchester City and English Premiership title rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium, grabbing his ninth City goal of the season.

That, however, was not enough to rescue the homers as Christian Eriksen’s late strike lifted Tottenham to within two points of the league summit, his calm finish earning the visitors a 2-1 victory.

Spurs had slipped from second after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over leaders Leicester City earlier in the day, but Kane’s spot-kick, following a handball by Raheem Sterling, looked to have taken the visitors back above their London rivals.

City, beaten 3-1 by Leicester at the Etihad Stadium eight days ago, were level in the 74th minute courtesy of substitute Iheanacho shortly after the 19-year-old’s introduction from the bench.

But it was Eriksen, celebrating his 24th birthday, who had the final say, slotting in from Erik Lamela’s pass with Vincent Kompany, on his return from injury, unable to intervene.

It was a second defeat of the season to Spurs, alongside losses against Arsenal and Leicester, for Manuel Pellegrini’s Man City, while Mauricio Pochettino’s men have now won five top-flight matches on the bounce.

While City called on influential skipper Kompany, Pochettino brought in Kyle Walker and Danny Rose at full-back, with Dele Alli returning to the XI after suffering dizziness in the win against Norwich City.

Son Heung-min was also recalled to the line-up and, after Sergio Aguero turned an awkward effort over the crossbar 10 minutes in, the South Korean was denied an opening goal by an offside flag.

Silva, who shook off an ankle knock to play, had a dangerous strike deflected wide, while Rose bravely blocked Sterling’s volley before the half-hour mark.

Eriksen stung Joe Hart’s palms soon after, but neither side could break the deadlock in a closely contested first period.

Aguero almost caught Spurs napping early in the second half when he sent Yaya Toure’s blocked cross high over the crossbar from close range before Spurs were given a helping hand in taking the lead.

Sterling was adjudged by referee Mark Clattenburg to have handled Rose’s cross, allowing Kane to fire in the opener eight minutes into the second half.

The hosts set about restoring parity as Fernandinho headed Silva’s corner over the crossbar before Toure rattled the woodwork with a free-kick from just outside the area.

Pellegrini then threw caution to the wind as Iheanacho replaced Fernando after the hour and it took little time for the Nigerian to make an impact with his ninth City goal in all competitions.

The 19-year-old kept a cool head and calmly side-footed Gael Clichy’s cross past a helpless Hugo Lloris 16 minutes from time, only for Eriksen to settle the contest in Spurs’ favour with a birthday goal to remember.

Lamela’s ball dissected the City defence and Eriksen coolly registered the winner, although Spurs were forced to withstand heavy pressure late on as Silva could only shin an effort over the crossbar from point-blank range to compound City’s frustration.

Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini: “We responded well but I feel it was more important to win the three points.

“We are not going to give up, losing twice here against Leicester and Tottenham is too much but we have to continue working with the players.

“The spirit of the team was very good, we need to improve our football but we are going to carry on fighting as far as we can.”

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino: “It was a game that was very important. You could feel it was not a normal game and a real test for us; for that we feel very pleased for the players.

“The mentality was good and a perfect performance against a team with a lot of quality players who are top class. Full credit to my players.”

•Adapted from a premiership.com report. Photo shows Iheanacho in City action.

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 15, 2016

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