Manchester City FC

Goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo had us two-up at the break although it could and probably should have been more after a dominant opening 45 minutes.

Cherki blasted home with a right-foot effort early doors before Erling Haaland and then Cherki again went close to doubling our advantage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

January recruit Semenyo did give us the second we thoroughly deserved just before the break finishing a clinical move involving Rodri and skipper Bernardo Silva.

MATCH REPORT | TOTTENHAM 2-2 CITY

The hosts came back out fired up and Dominic Solanke pulled one back although it could quite easily have been a foul on Marc Guéhi with the City defender having his foot clipped as the Tottenham forward swept home.

Solanke then produced an improvised finish to draw Tottenham level with both teams having chances to win it as the game edged towards 90 minutes.

Italian stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to be at his best to tip over a Xavi Simons curled effort, substitute Tijjani Reijnders saw two headers flash just wide while Guéhi, Haaland and Rodri all tried to force the ball home in a late scramble in the box.

Haaland also had a penalty claim waved away before the whistle blew.

Check out the best bits from this encounter in the video player above.

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First-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo had us in control, but a brace after the interval from Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke forced us to settle for a point in North London.

The draw sees us fall six points behind league-leaders Arsenal, but despite the result, Rodri expressed his pride at the team’s efforts and believes that slight improvements can be made going forward to prevent similar results.

“Yeah, it was a tough game. I think to be fair we deserved a little bit more,” he stated in his interview with City Studios after the draw.

“At the end it happened what happened in the last games, we didn’t control well the second-half, this is what happened. We didn’t control well.

“I think this [first Spurs goal] affected us too much. I think we have to learn from these things.

“I’m very proud of my team. Sometimes it’s difficult to come to these kind of stadiums, without the help of anyone. I’m very proud of them and the effort of what we did.

“We just need to improve the things we need to improve and move on.”

The Spaniard also spoke about the title race and looked ahead to our next two fixtures against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg and against Liverpool in the Premier League next Sunday.

Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo had us in front at the break after an impressive opening 45 minutes.

But Thomas Frank’s men came back into it in the second half courtesy of a Dominic Solanke double.

The result means we’re six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who defeated Leeds 4-0 at Elland Road on Saturday.

THE GAME IN 250 WORDS

City started the game strongly and opened the scoring through Rayan Cherki.

Captain Bernardo Silva showed his terrier-like tenaciousness to pickpocket Yves Bissouma before playing the ball off to Erling Haaland with the giant No.9 supplying the flair-fuelled Frenchman.

Cherki edged closer and closer to goal, with centre-back Radu Dragușin dropping off, before producing a clinical right foot finish.

It could and probably should have another goal for the Blues shortly after.

Haaland raced forward before trying a delicate lob reminiscent of his opener against Galatasaray in midweek but this time the ball nestled on the top of the net rather than in the back of it.

Cherki then went close to doubling his and his team’s tally, showing class, composure and downright cheek to dribble his way into a shooting position before seeing his final shot saved brilliantly by Guglielmo Vicario, the talismanic forward then turning away in shock as the referee awarded a goalkick rather than a corner.

The Blues did get a second just before half-time and it was no more than we deserved after a truly dominant first half display.

Rodri intercepted the ball, Bernardo touched it inside and Antoine Semenyo finished in style.

It was the January recruit’s sixth goal in his last nine Premier League appearances.

Tottenham built up a head of steam after the break before eventually pulling one back.

Conor Gallagher fired a shot high and handsome over the bar and then Gianluigi Donnarumma showed his class to tip over Destiny Udogie’s ferocious strike from the left channel as the hosts looked for a way back into this encounter.

They found it when Dominic Solanke forced home although the Tottenham forward looked to have kicked through City defender Marc Guéhi but VAR ratified it after a check.

The hosts then levelled matters when Gallagher crossed for Solanke who found a instinctive and improvised finish to beat Donnarumma.

The Italian ace then had to be at his best to tip over a Xavi Simons curled effort as Frank’s side eyed a winner.

Substitute Tijjani Reijnders headed marginally wide moments later from a pinpoint Bernardo cross as the game ebbed and flowed.

Guéhi, Haaland and Rodri all tried to force the ball home in a scramble in the box but Tottenham managed to clear the danger while Reijnders headed inches wide after meeting a Haaland knockdown.

Haaland looked to have been pulled to the ground by Dragusin but appeals were waved away.

Both sides eyed victory as the game moved into nine minutes of stoppage time but there was no further scoring as the final whistle blew.

TEAMS

TOTTENHAM XI: Vicario, Palhinha, Dragusin, Romero (Sarr 46’), Udogie, Gray, Bissouma (Odobert 68’), Gallagher, Kolo Muani (Tel 68’), Simons, Solanke (Byfield 90’)

Subs: Kinsky, Souza, Olusesi, Kyerematen, Rowswell

CITY XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, Ait-Nouri (Nico 70’), Rodri (Marmoush 90 + 4), Bernardo (C) (Foden 88’), O’Reilly, Semenyo, Cherki (Reijnders 69’), Haaland

Subs: Trafford, Ake, McAidoo, Alleyne, Lewis

MANAGER VERDICT

Read the thoughts of the boss here shortly.

SEMENYO REACTION

“We’ve got more games, there are 14 games to go. We are six points behind, it’s not the end.

“We have to keep going. Anything can happen. 14 games to go, they might lose a couple of games and we might win.

“The dynamic changes and we have to see what happens. Everyone is visibly frustrated and we go again.

“First-half we played really well. It was just keeping the ball and drawing them out. We did that really well and had a few chances on that.

“The mentality was to do the same things again. Second-half that didn’t happen and they dominated.”

WHAT IT MEANS

The 2-2 draw means we’re six points behind Premier League leaders, Arsenal.

After 24 games, the Gunners are on 53 points while the Blues are on and us on 47.

WHAT’S NEXT

We’re aiming for a place in the Carabao Cup final this coming week.

We’re 2-0 up on Newcastle after the first leg of the semi-final with the return tie coming on Wednesday, with kick-off at the Etihad at 20:00 (UK).

Guéhi and Semenyo were both ineligible for our 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Galatasaray, a result which ensured our progress to the competition’s Round of 16.

But the pair both return to the First XI for our 16:30 (UK) clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Pep Guardiola makes three changes for the game.

Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku both drop out for the pair, the latter missing out completely after coming off in Wednesday’s UCL victory.

Rodri also comes into the team for Omar Marmoush.

Doku, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho all remain on the sidelines through injury.

Victory this afternoon would keep the pressure up in the title race and move us just four points behind leaders, Arsenal, who beat Leeds 4-0 at Elland Road on Saturday.

TEAMS

CITY XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Bernardo (C), O’Reilly, Semenyo, Cherki, Haaland

Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Foden, McAidoo, Alleyne, Lewis

TACTICS

Gianluigi Donnarumma is between the sticks and protected by a back four of Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Rodri will be in the anchor role, alongside captain Bernardo Silva and Nico O’Reilly in the midfield area.

Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo will interchange in the spaces behind striking ace Erling Haaland.

BIG BOOST

It must be a real tonic for Pep Guardiola to be able to select Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo in his team this afternoon.

There have been several absentees in both the defensive and forward areas of late with John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol as well as Jeremy Doku and Savinho on the sidelines at present.

Guéhi and Semenyo both missed out against Galatasaray because they’re not yet eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League so to have them back – and well rested over the past week – must be a boost for the boss as he looks for energy, endeavour and excellence today at Tottenham.

It’s fair to say that it’s been brilliant January business by City to acquire this hugely talented pair.

Assistant Coach Pep Lijnders waxed lyrical about the duo in the pre-match press conference while legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira hailed Guéhi as a ‘manager’s dream’ as he discussed his former Palace centre-back this week.

Semenyo has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards and has scored three goals in his first four games in an explosive start to life in Manchester – with another chalked off controversially in the Carabao Cup win at Newcastle.

Guéhi arrived as one of the most sought after players in world football before putting in a faultless display in the 2-0 win over Wolves on his Premier League debut for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Here’s to more of the same this afternoon from the pair in the capital.

PURE QUALITY

For most strikers, going almost a month without a goal would create a sea of self-doubt – but clearly not our talisman forward Erling Haaland!

Haaland hadn’t found the net in five games as he headed into the vital UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

Played through expertly by Jeremy Doku in the opening moments of the League Phase decider, Haaland found himself one on one with goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakır before producing an impudent finish of the highest order chipping the Turkish stopper with the ball nestling snuggly in the net.

It showed our No.9’s class and composure and also his confidence that could easily have been dented of late.

Pep Lijnders spoke in his pre-match press conference about Haaland and said he was not surprised by the fab finish.

“For a striker, the most important thing is the next ball, the next moment, the next situation.

“It’s about having this confidence that will come and we know all his quality about how he can be in the box, with his feet, head, left, right and in the scruffy goals as well being there.

“It’s for him to keep believing that it comes and it’s so important he finished it off because it shows his quality in that situation to put that ball over the goalkeeper. It was pure quality.”

MATCH STATS

-Tottenham have completed the Premier League double over City nine times so far, more than they have any other opponent. Meanwhile, only Chelsea (ten) have done so more against the Blues.

-City have won our last two away league games against Spurs, last winning three in a row between February 1973 and August 1974.

-Tottenham are winless in five Premier League matches (D3 L2), their fourth run of 5+ winless games in the last two seasons. They only had four runs of five or more winless games across their previous 12 seasons combined from 2012/13 to 2023/24.

-In the last two seasons, City rank sixth for points won away from home in the Premier League (46 in 30 games – an average of 1.53 per game). In the two seasons beforehand in 2022/23 and 2023/24, City won the joint most away points (81 in 38 games – 2.13 points per game).

-In the last two seasons, the only ever-present sides to pick up fewer Premier League points than Tottenham (66) are Wolves (50) and West Ham (63), with Spurs’ 31 defeats second only to Wolves (37) in that time.

-Another defeat would mean Spurs have lost 10+ games for eight consecutive seasons since 2018/19 – in their eight seasons beforehand (2010/11 – 2017/18) this only happened twice.

-City faced as many shots as we had ourselves last time out against Wolves (11 each), the seventh time this season we’d either had fewer or as many attempts as our opponents in a Premier League game, the joint most in a season under Pep Guardiola. We are only averaging 4.7 more shots per game than our opponents this season, our smallest difference in a season under the Catalan.

-City’s Pep Guardiola has lost more league games against Spurs than any other opponent in his managerial career (8).

-Thomas Frank has won just four of his last 22 home Premier League matches, with an identical record (W2 D3 L6) across his last 11 games with Brentford as in his first 11 with Spurs (W4 D6 L12 overall). Frank has the worst points per game at home of any Spurs boss in Premier League history (0.82).

-Omar Marmoush netted his first Premier League goal of the season in City’s 2-0 win over Wolves but all eight of his goals in the competition have been scored at home – he’s failed to score with all 20 of his attempts in 12 games away from home.

-City’s Antoine Semenyo has scored five goals in his last eight Premier League appearances, the joint most of any player in that timeframe (15 December onwards). One of those was a late winner against Spurs for Bournemouth in January, with only Eric Cantona in 1992/93 (Leeds and Man Utd) and Benito Carbone in 1999/00 (Sheff Wed and Aston Villa) scoring against Spurs for two teams in a single season.

Going into the weekend ahead of Sunday’s visit to face Tottenham Hotspur, City had narrowed the gap on leaders Arsenal to just four points at the top of the Premier League with still 15 games to play.

Meanwhile Pep Guardiola’s side will take a 2-0 first leg advantage into next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash at home to Newcastle with an FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Salford also to look forward to.

And last Wednesday’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League win at home to also secured our ticket straight through to the Round of 16 where we will play one of Real Madrid, Internazionale, Benfica or Bodo/Glimt.

SHOP OUR YEAR OF THE HORSE RANGE

It means City head into February still vying for silverware on all four fronts.

And ahead of the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Nunes said maintaining momentum after back-to-back wins over Wolves and Galatasaray was key.

“We are up there and fighting for every competition,” declared the Portuguese international.

“We just have to carry on like this.

“There are still a lot of games to play, and everyone can lose points because that’s the Premier League.

“We have to win our games and, in the end, we will see.

“We’ve never thought ‘we are out of the race’. We have had the same mindset that we can win.

“To do that, we have to win every game and that’s our focus.”

City will head to the capital with January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi both available for selection with the pair having been ineligible in midweek.

And although the duo have only been at the Club for a very short period, Nunes is in no doubt that they will only further strengthen our quest for success – both short and long term.

“Antoine’s a lovely guy. Quite funny! He’s also an incredible player,” Nunes added.

“I’ve played against him a few times. Hopefully he can carry on the form because he’s already been really good since he arrived.

“He’s a player for many years at this club – he still has the best years of his career ahead of him. I just hope he has a really good career here at City.

“Marc leads by example – a bit like Bernardo. You can just tell by his behaviour.

“The young lads can look at him and see how calm he plays and his tranquillity.

“He brings calmness to the back-line.”

After midweek success in the Champions League, it’s all about the Premier League now as we head to Tottenham Hotspur for a 16:30 (UK) kick-off on Sunday.

We’ll go into the game looking for a victory to keep pressure on leaders Arsenal as we start to look towards the business end of the campaign.

Get tickets for City v Newcastle in the Carabao Cup

After a difficult first few trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following its opening in 2019, we’ve enjoyed some good times there recently - winning on each of our last two Premier League visits.

Spurs go into the weekend in 14th, with 28 points from 23 games but Thomas Frank’s side did win at the Etihad earlier this season.

We know we’ll have to be at our best to take the three points on Sunday.

So with that in mind, the players were hard at work this afternoon.

Released to celebrate the Lunar New Year, the collection celebrates motion, energy, and tradition through a refined, contemporary lens.

SHOP OUR YEAR OF THE HORSE RANGE

Set in earthy, neutral tones, the capsule draws inspiration from the stillness of vintage Chinese portraiture, contrasted with the energy and momentum of a team in full stride.

At its core is the Manchester City Year of the Horse pre-match jersey, featuring hand-drawn Fire Horse artwork that embodies power, movement and relentless drive.

And that’s the piece we’ll see on the pitch in north London before our latest huge Premier League challenge.

Influenced by traditional Chinese ink and watercolour techniques, the sketched horse motifs bring depth and fluidity to the design, creating a piece that feels alive and expressive.

It’s heritage with horsepower - crafted for matchdays and all the days in between.

The Manchester City Year of the Horse Capsule Collection is available now at mancity.com/shop and Manchester City Official Stores at 10% off for Members and Seasoncard holders.

If buying online, the discount will be automatically applied when logged in with your Member account. Free delivery over £90/US$100/130euros, or visit our Stadium, Arndale, Trafford Centre, Yas Mall Abu Dhabi or Dubai Mall stores.

Ever since Spurs’ move into their spectacular new home in North London, it’s fair to say the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had proved an unhappy hunting ground for City.

Tottenham had enjoyed victory in four consecutive league meetings with Pep Guardiola’s side between the 2019/20 and 2022/23 seasons as well as winning a 2019 Champions League encounter.

The sole exception came in January 2024 when a Nathan Ake effort secured a 1-0 victory in an FA Cup fourth round meeting for the Blues.

SHOP OUR YEAR OF THE HORSE RANGE

However, City ended our league hoodoo in thrilling and vital fashion on the night of May 15, 2024 thanks to an eventful and defining 2-0 victory.

It was one that moved us within three points of a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.

And, as so often, Haaland proved the man for the occasion, our Norwegian star striker claiming a brace to finally end a determined and sustained challenge from the hosts who were seeking a win to boost their own top-four hopes.

Haaland had struck first shortly after half-time, converting a Kevin De Bruyne cross from close range.

But that was followed by a period of late Spurs pressure, with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega – a second half substitute after Ederson sustained an injury – producing two vital saves from Dejan Kulesevski and Son Heung-min as the clock wound down.

But with nerves shredded and the tension almost unbearable a late foul by Pedro Porro on Jeremy Doku saw City awarded a penalty, handing Haaland the chance to seal the deal and end the Hotspur hoodoo.

As always, Erling stepped up the plate, cooly converting from 12 yards to seal a seismic and unforgettable victory, our eighth in a row, to move the Blues within touching distance of yet more history.

“[We showed] Fantastic mentality. Focus on game by game and now relax,” said Haaland afterwards.

“We came here to try to win and we won.

“Focus on the next game and try not to think too much. Let’s get all together and finish this.”

The City winger was impressive against the Turkish side, setting up Erling Haaland’s opener before he was forced off in the first half.

Doku suffered a similar setback recently and will miss Sunday’s game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 1 February at 16:30 (UK) for another important clash.

Lijnders, who faced the media in Friday’s press conference with Pep Guardiola unavailable, hopes he could be back sooner than his last absence.

“I have to say first of all to Jeremy, I have to make a big compliment how he played,” the City assistant said.

“Because a top team is defined by individual quality of our front players and how he was between the lines to attack and first assist to Erling was unbelievable.

“Sorry he went out and its similar to last injury. Only that time it was lateral, this one is on the centre. it was 18 days. I think this time it will be a little bit shorter as he’s a robust player.”

SHOP OUR YEAR OF THE HORSE RANGE

City will have new signings Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo available after missing the midweek victory over Galatasaray as they are ineligible along with Rodri, who was also out through suspension.

Lijnders also confirmed that Ruben Dias will return to training on Monday after being out since the start of the new year.

Meanwhile, Oscar Bobb has moved on after his completing his move to Fulham today.

The Dutch coach believes it is a good switch for the winger and again shows the strength of the players coming through the Academy.

“I’m really happy for him I think it’s a great step to go to Marco [Silva’s] team with the way they set up and play,” Lijnders said.

“They’ll feed him a lot of balls I am really happy for him.

“It’s a big compliment to our academy as it’s another player who make a big step with the quality to play in the Premier League.”

The Blues face Spurs on Sunday with a 16:30 (UK) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Before that, assistant head coach Lijnders will speak to journalists to look ahead to the game in the absence of boss Pep Guardiola who is unavailable this afternoon.

You’ll be able to watch the press conference live right here on mancity.com and our official app when it gets underway from 13:00 (UK) at the City Football Academy.

There’ll also be a second embargoed part which will go live on our digital estate from 22:30 (UK) on Saturday.

For now, log-in and watch part one above.

CITY+

CITY+ is available via an annual subscription of £34.99 a year, saving you £24 on our monthly offering.

Choose monthly and pay £4.99 a month with the option to cancel anytime.

Official Cityzens and Season Ticket Members can subscribe annually for £30 a year, a saving of £29.

With a CITY+ subscription, you also unlock a host of exclusive content throughout the 2025/26 season including -

LIVE MATCHES: 70+ live fixtures, including games from Premier League 2, UEFA Youth League, WSL and the Conti‑Cup - subject to broadcast scheduling

FULL MATCH REPLAYS: The full 90 minutes of every men’s first-team game, available within 24 hours after kick-off

HIGHLIGHTS: Our brand-new 20‑minute highlights package for each men’s fixture

DOCUMENTARIES: Our award‑winning City Studios documentaries, including Together and other behind-the-scenes series