Tottenham Fight Back from Two Down to Hold Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester City | Premier League

Tottenham produced a rousing second-half comeback to recover from a two-goal deficit and earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, a result that also handed a boost to Arsenal’s Premier League title push.

Goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo had put Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in control before the break, but a controversial own goal and a moment of brilliance from Dominic Solanke turned the contest on its head after half-time.

City dominate first half as Spurs struggle

With 11 players unavailable, including key defender Micky van de Ven, Tottenham were stretched from the opening moments. Radu Drăgușin, making his first start in a year after a long-term knee injury, was quickly exposed by City’s movement and tempo.

City struck inside 11 minutes when Erling Haaland released Cherki, who cut inside Drăgușin and fired low past Guglielmo Vicario. Spurs looked rattled, and City should have doubled their lead shortly after, only for Haaland to lift his effort over the bar.

Cherki continued to torment the hosts, forcing Vicario into an outstanding save midway through the half, but City’s second goal arrived just before the interval. A loose pass from Drăgușin was intercepted by Rodri, who fed Bernardo Silva before Semenyo curled a composed finish beyond Vicario.

Loud boos greeted the half-time whistle as Tottenham trailed 2-0.

Tactical tweak sparks Spurs revival

Thomas Frank responded by reshaping his side into a 4-2-3-1, introducing Pape Sarr and pushing Spurs higher up the pitch. The change immediately brought more aggression and intent.

Conor Gallagher fired over before Destiny Udogie forced a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the pressure finally told in controversial fashion in the 53rd minute.

Controversial own goal gives Spurs hope

A superb through-ball from Xavi Simons released Solanke, who turned Abdukodir Khusanov before making contact with Marc Guéhi, the ball ricocheting into the net off the City defender.

VAR checks for offside and a foul were waved away, much to City’s frustration, with Guardiola booked on the touchline as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted.

Solanke’s back heel levels the scores

Sensing momentum, Frank introduced Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, and the impact was immediate. In the 73rd minute, Gallagher surged down the right and delivered a low cross into the box.

Solanke met it with a sensational back-heel finish, flicking the ball over Donnarumma and into the net to complete the comeback and send the home crowd into delirium.

Late chances but no winner

Tottenham looked the more dangerous side for a spell, with Donnarumma denying Odobert and Simons in quick succession. City eventually regained control late on, but Tijjani Reijnders wasted two promising opportunities.

Spurs substitute Pape Sarr then produced two crucial defensive interventions to block efforts from Guéhi and Haaland, ensuring the points were shared.

Draw dents City’s title hopes

The result leaves Manchester City six points behind leaders Arsenal, while Tottenham avoid another damaging home defeat and offer some respite for under-fire boss Thomas Frank — even if it extends their tally to just two wins in 15 league matches.

For Spurs, the second-half response was a reminder of their potential. For City, it may prove a costly stumble in the title race.