London Evening Standard

Asked why his side could not start games with more urgency, Frank said mistakes cost Spurs in the first half, but that he had still been encouraged by elements of the team's peformance.

He continued: "I wish I could (clicks fingers) do it like that. Then it would be easy. It’s not. I need to look at the game back. I think we did still some okay things in the first half and just made two mistakes," Frank continued.

"They punished the first one so hard after 12 minutes which makes things more difficult to come into a football game, but what I liked of the second half is we were even more aggressive in the high pressure, and finally the 50-50s landed a little bit more for us. It felt like everything landed for them in the first half.

"Mid pressure was good so not too much through us and then we played more behind them and hurt them more in that way. How united the fans and the players were second half. That’s what we need to build. The fans helped us massively and pushed us towards a big point and they were fantastic against Dortmund so can we do that more and more consistently together we can create some magic."

City looked on course to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after cruising into a 2-0 half-time lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But a spirited second-half fightback from Spurs saw them drop yet more points in the title race on Sunday afternoon.

City have now won just one of their last six league games, but Guardiola has not lost hope of catching Arsenal in the season run-in. Speaking after his side’s 2-2 draw with Spurs, Guardiola said that with 14 games to go, there remains every chance of City keeping pace in the title race.

"It's a setback, but we are still there,” he told BBC Sport. “There are still 14 games to go, and those points available."

"I know that these types of games always in the past you had to capitalise and win but yeah, the difficulties for many things, but players are coming back and I saw incredibly good spirit and many things.

“The momentum in the Premier League, when you concede a goal it happens and especially when you cannot control it. That will be the lesson and that will make us stronger and better players in the future."

Asked about the decision, Guardiola said if the roles had been reversed and it had been a defender catching a striker's trailing leg, the referee would have awarded a foul.

Guardiola said: "If a central defender does it to a striker it's a penalty. After that in the second half for 10-15 minutes they had the control but the moment they started to put one more player there and win one or two second balls and after that they created the momentum and then after the goal they had 10 or 15 minutes, but we kept going."

Half-time change of shape transformed the midfield vs Man City

Workhorse: Conor Gallagher

Action Images via Reuters

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and ease the pressure on manager Thomas Frank.

City took the lead inside 11 minutes as Rayan Cherki arrowed a low shot past Guglielmo Vicario after Yves Bissouma was dispossessed, before Antoine Semenyo doubled the visitors’ advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Spurs fought back after the break and levelled the score throgh a Dominic Solanke double - the second being a stunning acrobatic finish after a stampeding run from Conor Gallagher.

AFP via Getty Images

Supporter protests are not going away

Spurs’ issues right now are not limited to on the pitch, and supporters are growing increasingly agitated with the direction of the club.

Supporters’ group Change for Tottenham staged a protest before Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham, and while turnout was minimal, they have not been discouraged.

Back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since that game, a number of supporters walked out in the 75th minute in protest against the club’s board.

Read More

Romero issues injury update after Spurs captain forced off vs Man City

Tottenham player ratings vs Man City: Simons and Solanke dazzle

Tottenham 2-2 Man City: Solanke stunner completes comeback - LIVE

Sponsored

Make 2026 the year of working smarter

A Change for Tottenham spokesperson told Standard Sport this week that they felt the club was in a “dangerous position” and questioned their ambition in the transfer market.

"This window has been a complete failure. The club is in a dangerous position and the leadership haven't done anything to stem the tide. Instead of being bold and ambitious in the market, we have seen more of the same failings. Fans have power and we can show that on Sunday."

Frank was asked about supporters’ frustrations with the club’s activity in the January transfer market, and reiterated that the Lewis family are committed to funding a wholesale rebuild. He did, however, say that the club would not be forced into making snap decisions before Deadline Day, despite Spurs’ mounting injury list.

That could change, with Spurs missing 11 senior players against City, following injuries to Djed Spence and Kevin Danso, and there are concerns over Cristian Romero.

For supporters, though, it all feels a little too late with tomorrow’s 7pm deadline fast approaching.

Cristian Romero was forced off at half-time

REUTERS

Injury ‘curse’ continues to hamper Spurs

Thomas Frank may well have been right when he said Spurs are cursed.

Frank, half-joking, made that admission after Lucas Bergvall was ruled out for around three months with an ankle injury sustained after an innocuous challenge during Spurs’ 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Things have not got much better since, and with Micky van de Ven, Spence and Danso not involved against City, while Cristian Romero was withdrawn at half-time, Spurs are down to the bare bones - the north London club are a goalkeeper away from being able to name a full starting eleven of injured players.

Frank said Danso’s toe injury was “extremely unlucky”, but after three years of fitness issues, serious questions need to be asked about the way in which the club approaches injuries.

Spurs’ state-of-the-art training ground and stadium are the envy of the Premier League, but their fitness facilities and practices are still some way behind where they would want them to be.

Frank has admitted that the club are looking to improve the return to play time for injured players and added that he felt the club’s medical department would be happy with the progress they have made this season.

To the outside world, though, it appears that Spurs’ injury issues are only getting worse.

Dominic Solanke scored twice

Action Images via Reuters

A tale of two halves for Spurs’ midfield

A heavily depleted Spurs side, adapting to a new system, were always going to find it hard against City’s experience.

Guardiola’s side were, though, a cut above in the first half, and that was no more apparent than in midfield, where Rodri and Bernardo Silva dominated every inch of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

First, Bernardo pounced to dispossess Bissouma for City’s opening goal before Rodri intercepted a stray pass from Radu Dragusin to allow Semenyo to double City’s lead.

It was all too easy for City to cut through Spurs in the opening 45 as they worked the ball from back to front.

The mark of a good manager is identifying and adapting to situations, and Frank showcased his adaptability by remodelling Spurs’ midfield after the break to take charge of a game they had, to that point, had no say in.

Pape Matar Sarr came on for Romero, and Spurs went to a 4-2-3-1 in a bid to get a foothold in the game.

Much has been made of Spurs’ powers of recovery, and powered on by the intensity of Gallagher, the home side battled back to draw level.

Gallagher’s second-half performance embodied everything Spurs had hoped for when they brought him in from Atletico Madrid, and it was his driving run and cross that allowed Solanke to acrobatically restore parity.

MORE ABOUT

Spurs fans were left fearing the worst when Romero was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr ahead of the second half on Sunday, with the team trailing 2-0 after a disaster first-half display.

Fellow defenders Djed Spence and Kevin Danso were ruled out ahead of the game, while Micky van de Ven sat out his second game with a niggle.

But Romero told reporters after the game that he was “okay”, with manager Thomas Frank confirming the player has been complaining of an illness.

“[He] pushed through that with a fantastic captain's performance, and struggled a little bit, but we hope it's nothing. We are assessing him. Hopefully he's fine."

The striker was withdrawn late on in the game to spark fresh injury fears, but he confirmed to Sky Sports afterwards that he is “fine”, adding: “I just rolled my ankle, I’ll be fine.”

Frank added soon after: “Clearly also struggled to run. We knew before the game again it would be a big push to play 90 [minutes]. He's not there fitness-wise where he should be, because he's been out for so long. And we've been, in a way, a little bit forced to play him.

“It's pretty evident that he's relatively important for us. Four goals in four games, with him being on his 70-80 per cent of fitness and top sharpness. But imagine City playing without [Erling] Haaland for six months. We've been quite hard-hit with injuries.”

Half-time change of shape transformed the midfield vs Man City

Workhorse: Conor Gallagher

Action Images via Reuters

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and ease the pressure on manager Thomas Frank.

City took the lead inside 11 minutes as Rayan Cherki arrowed a low shot past Guglielmo Vicario after Yves Bissouma was dispossessed, before Antoine Semenyo doubled the visitors’ advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Spurs fought back after the break and levelled the score throgh a Dominic Solanke double - the second being a stunning acrobatic finish after a stampeding run from Conor Gallagher.

AFP via Getty Images

Supporter protests are not going away

Spurs’ issues right now are not limited to on the pitch, and supporters are growing increasingly agitated with the direction of the club.

Supporters’ group Change for Tottenham staged a protest before Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham, and while turnout was minimal, they have not been discouraged.

Back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since that game, a number of supporters walked out in the 75th minute in protest against the club’s board.

Read More

Tottenham player ratings vs Man City: Simons and Solanke dazzle

Tottenham 2-2 Man City: Solanke stunner completes comeback - LIVE

Solanke double denies Man City as Spurs show fight to earn a point

Sponsored

Incredible days out and trips for autumn and winter

A Change for Tottenham spokesperson told Standard Sport this week that they felt the club was in a “dangerous position” and questioned their ambition in the transfer market.

"This window has been a complete failure. The club is in a dangerous position and the leadership haven't done anything to stem the tide. Instead of being bold and ambitious in the market, we have seen more of the same failings. Fans have power and we can show that on Sunday."

Frank was asked about supporters’ frustrations with the club’s activity in the January transfer market, and reiterated that the Lewis family are committed to funding a wholesale rebuild. He did, however, say that the club would not be forced into making snap decisions before Deadline Day, despite Spurs’ mounting injury list.

That could change, with Spurs missing 11 senior players against City, following injuries to Djed Spence and Kevin Danso, and there are concerns over Cristian Romero.

For supporters, though, it all feels a little too late with tomorrow’s 7pm deadline fast approaching.

Cristian Romero was forced off at half-time

REUTERS

Injury ‘curse’ continues to hamper Spurs

Thomas Frank may well have been right when he said Spurs are cursed.

Frank, half-joking, made that admission after Lucas Bergvall was ruled out for around three months with an ankle injury sustained after an innocuous challenge during Spurs’ 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Things have not got much better since, and with Micky van de Ven, Spence and Danso not involved against City, while Cristian Romero was withdrawn at half-time, Spurs are down to the bare bones - the north London club are a goalkeeper away from being able to name a full starting eleven of injured players.

Frank said Danso’s toe injury was “extremely unlucky”, but after three years of fitness issues, serious questions need to be asked about the way in which the club approaches injuries.

Spurs’ state-of-the-art training ground and stadium are the envy of the Premier League, but their fitness facilities and practices are still some way behind where they would want them to be.

Frank has admitted that the club are looking to improve the return to play time for injured players and added that he felt the club’s medical department would be happy with the progress they have made this season.

To the outside world, though, it appears that Spurs’ injury issues are only getting worse.

Dominic Solanke scored twice

Action Images via Reuters

A tale of two halves for Spurs’ midfield

A heavily depleted Spurs side, adapting to a new system, were always going to find it hard against City’s experience.

Guardiola’s side were, though, a cut above in the first half, and that was no more apparent than in midfield, where Rodri and Bernardo Silva dominated every inch of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

First, Bernardo pounced to dispossess Bissouma for City’s opening goal before Rodri intercepted a stray pass from Radu Dragusin to allow Semenyo to double City’s lead.

It was all too easy for City to cut through Spurs in the opening 45 as they worked the ball from back to front.

The mark of a good manager is identifying and adapting to situations, and Frank showcased his adaptability by remodelling Spurs’ midfield after the break to take charge of a game they had, to that point, had no say in.

Pape Matar Sarr came on for Romero, and Spurs went to a 4-2-3-1 in a bid to get a foothold in the game.

Much has been made of Spurs’ powers of recovery, and powered on by the intensity of Gallagher, the home side battled back to draw level.

Gallagher’s second-half performance embodied everything Spurs had hoped for when they brought him in from Atletico Madrid, and it was his driving run and cross that allowed Solanke to acrobatically restore parity.

MORE ABOUT

Attack bailed out the defence in a true game of two halves

Stars: Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons

REUTERS

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham produced a stirring second half fightback as they came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City

Rayan Cherki opened the scoring inside 11 minutes as he arrowed a low shot past Guglielmo Vicario after Yves Bissouma was dispossessed in the middle of the park.

Antoine Semenyo doubled the visitors’ lead right before half-time after Radu Dragusin’s lapse pass out from the back was intercepted by Rodri.

Marc Guehi’s own goal gave Spurs a foothold after the break before Dominic Solanke scored a superb acrobatic effort to level the scores and complete a dramatic comeback.

Sam Tabuteau rated the Spurs players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Wonderful save to deny Cherki his second of the afternoon. Could arguably have done better with Cherki’s goal.

Archie Gray 7

Was lucky to see Reijnders head wide after getting goal side of him. At such a young age, his versatility is a real asset, and he grew into the game.

Read More

Tottenham 2-2 Man City: Solanke stunner completes comeback - LIVE

Solanke double denies Man City as Spurs show fight to earn a point

Frank issues Spence, Danso and Van de Ven injury updates as Spurs woes mount

Sponsored

Make 2026 the year of working smarter

Radu Dragusin 5

After 12 months out, he is still getting up to speed and was slow to close down Cherki on the edge of the box for City’s opener. Could not keep up with Haaland and it was his lapse pass that was intercepted as City doubled their lead right before half-time. Improved after the break.

Cristian Romero 6

Cut a frustrated figure throughout as he looked for options in possession. City found it all too easy to go from back to front, and Romero was left powerless to do anything. Withdrawn at half-time.

Destiny Udogie 6

Stung the palms of Donnarumma moments before Guehi’s own goal. His effort was a sign of Spurs’ growing confidence after the break.

Yves Bissouma 4

Careless in possession, and City pounced to take an early lead. Could not get anywhere near City’s midfield in the first half and was replaced just past the hour mark as Spurs chased an equaliser.

Joao Palhinha 8

Always looked for the forward pass and was aggressive up against Semenyo. Made the most tackles of any player on the pitch

Randal Kolo Muani 6

Stretched the play in behind, but Spurs looked far more dangerous once he made way. Back out on the wing after starting up front against Frankfurt, Kolo Muani was on the periphery for much of the game.

Conor Gallagher 8

Could not fault his commitment, and he made Spurs’ equaliser with a charging run down the right flank before crossing for Solanke. Embodied Spurs’ spirit in the second half.

Xavi Simons 9

When he had the ball, he looked positive and always tried to play in behind. His delightful clipped pass sent Solanke through on goal as Spurs hit back after the break. Finally translated his European form with a dominant second-half display.

Dominic Solanke 9

With Thomas Tuchel in attendance, Solanke impressed. Gave Spurs a foothold by bullying his way past Guehi. His first goal may have been scrappy, but his second goal was sublime. An acrobatic flick of the boot to turn home Gallagher’s cross.

Subs

Pape Matar Sarr 7

Spurs looked more assured with him in midfield as they launched a fightback in the second-half. Made a couple of superb last-ditch challenges as City looked to retake the lead late on.

Mathys Tel 6

Could not get into the game, with limited opportunities to get on the ball.

Wilson Odobert 7

A threat on the break as Spurs looked to hold on to what they had. Nearly scored after being put through by Simons.

Jun’ai Byfield 6

Defended stoically on his Premier League debut as Spurs held out for a well-deserved point.

Unused subs: Kinsky, Rowswell, Souza, Olusesi, Kyerematen

MORE ABOUT

Spence adds to Spurs’ growing injury list, with centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso also not involved against City.

Van de Ven had been “touch and go” to play against City, having not travelled to Frankfurt in the week as Spurs sealed their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-0 victory at the Deutsche Bank Park.

But the Dutchman is absent from the squad, along with Danso who is set for a spell on the sidelines with a toe injury.

“Micky is a minor [injury], I fully expect him to be back to face Manchester United [next weekend],” Frank told SPURSPLAY. “He just couldn’t make it for this one.

“Kevin Danso, another quite unlucky one. He hyperextended his big toe when landing on the foot of an opponent against Frankfurt, and that means a ligament snapped in the big toe.

“He was extremely unlucky. We don’t know the extent of it, we have an appointment next week to clarify that.

“Djed [has] a minor calf injury that will keep him out for this game.”

Spence has been a mainstay under Frank this season, and has benefitted from Spurs' move to a three-man defence in recent weeks.

The 25-year-old has played 32 games in all competitions for Spurs this season, and his injury comes just a matter of days after fellow right-back Pedro Porro was ruled out for at least a month with a hamstring injury.

Pep Guardiola has lost Jeremy Doku to a calf injury and has gone with Cherki and Antoine Semenyo in attack either side of Erling Haaland.

Semenyo and fellow new signing Marc Guehi are back in the team after being ineligible in Europe on Wednesday.

Rodri was missing against Galatasaray due to suspension but also returns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in place of Omar Marmoush, as City bid to respond to Arsenal’s win at Leeds on Saturday.

Haaland dropped to the bench in last weekend’s win over Wolves but started and scored in the Galatasaray win and starts.

Ruben Dias is closing in on a return but is not yet ready to make his comeback so Abdukodir Khusanov is alongside Guehi at centre-back.

On Doku’s injury, Guardiola’s assistant Pep Lijnders said on Friday: “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.”

Spurs host Pep Guardiola’s side in big game for both teams

Tottenham face Man City in the Premier League

ES Composite

Arthur Ferridge

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham and Manchester City meet in a big game for both teams in the Premier League.

Spurs are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle after five top-flight games without a win and Thomas Frank remains under pressure.

City need to respond to Arsenal’s win at Leeds on Saturday. That result saw City fall seven points behind the leaders in the title race.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game...

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs Manchester City is scheduled for a 4.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The match will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Man City

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event.

Coverage on Sky Sports Premier League will begin at 4pm ahead of a 4.30pm kick-off, while coverage on Main Event will go live at 4.25pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Tottenham vs Man City team news

Thomas Frank is facing a host range of injury issues, with Micky van de Ven “touch and go” after missing the win in Frankfurt with a minor injury.

Read More

How to watch Tottenham vs Man City: TV channel and live stream

Man Utd vs Fulham: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h

How to watch Man Utd vs Fulham: TV channel and live stream

Sponsored

Make 2026 the year of working smarter

Lucas Bergvall remains sidelined with a sprained ankle, with Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur also out with long-term injuries. Pedro Porro as been ruled out with a month with a hamstring injury.

Options are thin in attack with both Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus out until March and April, respectively, with thigh injuries. Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are long-term absentees.

Injury blow: Lucas Bergvall

Action Images via Reuters

City are without six first-team players for the trip to north London.

The injuries come primarily in defence, with Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones all set to miss out.

Elsewhere, Savinho is on the comeback trail after picking up a quad injury against Sunderland.

Jeremy Doku misses out after being substituted with an injury in the Galatasaray match.

Nico Gonzalez made a comeback in midweek, though, appearing off the bench to alleviate some of the pressure on Guardiola’s side.

Tottenham vs Man City prediction

Thomas Frank may have found his groove in Europe, but his continued struggles in the Premier League suggest we could see Spurs stumble again here.

In the past, though, Frank has shown a certain aptitude for getting the better of Guardiola. He did so earlier this season in just his second domestic match with Spurs, and twice with Brentford.

Guardiola will be on high alert, then, particularly with so many first-team players ruled out against a Spurs side growing in confidence.

But with Erling Haaland back amongst the goals and Rodri fit and available, he should have the tools at his disposal to get three points here.

Man City to win, 2-1

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Spurs came out on top in the reverse of this fixture, winning 2-0 at the Etihad in the second week of the Premier League season with Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha on the scoresheet.

Tottenham wins: 66

Man City wins: 64

Draws: 35

On the scoresheet: Joao Palhinha

REUTERS

Tottenham vs Man City match odds

Tottenham to win: 15/4

Man City to win: 8/11

Draw: 3/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Spurs sweating over fitness of key man for big game for Thomas Frank

Tottenham face Manchester City on Sunday

The Standard

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham have been sweating over the fitness of Micky van de Ven ahead of their game against Manchester City.

Van de Ven missed Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt with an unspecified minor injury and is a doubt.

"Micky is a minor one, he'll be touch and go for Sunday, we're hoping,” said Frank on Friday.

“He was on the pitch yesterday [Thursday], so hopeful for that, but he's touch and go.”

Van de Ven’s potential absence could mean Thomas Frank turns to Palhinha as one of three central defenders after his impressive display in Germany, while Destiny Udogie and Radu Dragusin are also able to fill in.

Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma are available after being ineligible in the Champions League.

Dominic Solanke is fit enough to start, having come off the bench to score on Wednesday.

Frank admitted this week that Solanke has been pushed to the limit since returning from his ankle injury, but said he was pleased with how sharp he has looked in front of goal.

“He's still building, but he's ready to start on Sunday,” said Frank.

“It was so nice when Dom was through on goal that you just had that feeling, OK, this is a goal. He just proved that.”

Pedro Porro missed the game against Frankfurt with a hamstring injury as Spurs sealed their place in the Champions League round of 16.

Read More

Man City XI vs Tottenham: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

Frank must face up to Tottenham's biggest problem in bid to improve form

Man Utd XI vs Fulham: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

Sponsored

Reset your wellbeing for the year ahead

The right-back was withdrawn at half-time during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Burnley, and Frank said at his pre-match press conference that Porro would be out for at least a month.

He was then asked on Friday whether Porro and Richarlison, also out with a hamstring injury, could return in time for the north London derby on February 22, responding that it would be the “dream scenario” but that they would know closer to the time.

“That could be a dream scenario and could happen,” Frank continued.

“We'll know a little bit more when we get closer, but it's in that bracket.”

Souza could be included in a matchday squad for the first time since his £13million arrival from Santos.

Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, and Ben Davies remain long-term absentees.

Predicted Tottenham XI (3-4-3): Vicario; Palhinha, Romero, Danso; Spence, Gray, Gallagher, Udogie; Odobert, Solanke, Simons

Injured: Maddison, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Kudus, Richarlison, Davies, Porro, Bergvall

Doubts: Van de Ven

Date and time: 4:30pm GMT on Sunday, February 1, 2026

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

MORE ABOUT