London Evening Standard

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

Stars: Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons

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Sam Tabuteau

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

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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.

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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 Withdrawn at half-time.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

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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.

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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.

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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

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Semenyo and Guehi were ineligible in the Champions League on Wednesday but both players are set to come straight back into the team.

Rodri was missing against Galatasaray due to suspension but he will also start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as City bid to respond to Arsenal’s win at Leeds on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola did not take his pre-match press conference due to a personal matter but he will pick the team and is expected to be in the dugout against Spurs.

Jeremy Doku has been ruled out for more than two weeks with a calf injury and Guardiola faces some big selection decisions.

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

Rayan Cherki impressed again against Galatasaray and Semenyo seems certain to start, so Omar Marmoush may be the fall guy up front.

Rodri and Bernardo Silva seem certain to start, so Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders are vying for the other spot in midfield.

Ruben Dias is closing in on a return but is not yet ready to make his comeback so Abdukodir Khusanov will be 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 have cruised into the Champions League knockout stage but remain grounded in the Premier League

Eyes on: Thomas Frank

PA Wire via DPA

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.

There is life yet in this transitional Tottenham season, but another shot at salvation must be translated into momentum if Thomas Frank is to stay the course in north London.

The Dane’s job came under more pressure last weekend after his side salvaged a point in stoppage time away to 19th-placed Burnley.

However, another spirited performance in the Champions League, sealing their place in the round of 16 with a 2-0 win away to Frankfurt, has provided a glimmer of hope.

Spurs failed to capitalise on their dominant victory over Borussia Dortmund last week, but must now build on their latest Champions League success by toppling Premier League title contenders Manchester City.

One of the resounding victories of Frank’s tumultuous reign came away to City just two games into the season, and Spurs have a good recent record against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Thomas Frank is juggling multiple injuries

REUTERS

As it was two seasons ago, though, the atmosphere inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be somewhat conflicted.

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With City battling Arsenal for the title, there has been the suggestion that some Spurs fans would rather see their team drop points than win and hand their north London neighbours an advantage in the title race.

A 75th-minute walkout has also been planned by the supporters’ group Change for Tottenham in protest against the club’s board, but Frank is paying no attention. He has continued to remain calm and focused while dissent swirls around the club.

“I don't know (if Spurs fans want to lose). I know that the Spurs fans will, how can you say, will support the team and understand the conflict,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“But I'm not in doubt they'll be happy if we perform well, and beating City is important for us. It's all about us, and we, the staff, the players, will do everything we can to put a top performance out there.”

There will be no snap decisions in the final days of the transfer market, despite as many as nine senior players potentially missing out against City through injury.

Micky van de Ven is “touch and go”, having not travelled to Frankfurt with an unspecified minor injury. But even with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison and Pedro Porro all out, short-term fixes will not be prioritised ahead of Deadline Day.

“I think the best clubs, they take good, calm, sensible decisions,” Frank said. “Also, when it's a little bit windy, not going as well as we want it to, because I think that's key for what we want to build. It's absolutely key.”

Spurs are eight points above the relegation zone, and even talk of potentially being dragged into a battle towards the bottom of the table has led more supporters to make up their minds about Frank.

Calculated and unwavering in his belief in the long-term ambitions of the club as he talked up the Lewis family’s commitment to financing a rebuild, Frank is keeping his head down and pushing on.

“I think the fans and everyone should not be in doubt of that,” Frank continued. “They are really, really committed to this is going to be successful.

Tottenham have been cruising in Europe

Getty Images

“We all want it to be a bit better, but all the processes and all the things beginning to tick behind the scenes, I am not in doubt we will see big benefits of that in the future.

“I am not in doubt that we will improve and do better throughout the season. I am not in doubt we will take a good, massive step forward in the summer as well.”

However, with Spurs circling closer to the bottom three, Frank has to be careful not to bury his head in the sand.

Spurs need to look to the long-term to build sustainable success, but if results continue to slide, Frank will inevitably run out of time.

As Spurs chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, put it in his open letter to fans two weeks ago, actions speak louder than words.

As much as the board want to back Frank, results don’t lie, and if relegation chatter starts to intensify, they may well be forced into a decision.

Sooner rather than later, Frank needs to find momentum.

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Frank remains under pressure and a group of Spurs fans have organised a walkout in the 75th minute.

Spurs are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle after a poor run of form in the Premier League but will hope to build on their midweek Champions League win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

City need to respond to Arsenal’s win at Leeds on Saturday, a result that leaves Pep Guardiola’s side seven points behind the leaders.

Guardiola does not have a good record against Spurs but knows his side cannot afford many slip-ups in the title race.

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.

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