Tottenham had a chance to win the Carabao Cup tie easily. After 25 minutes, the home audience was almost in amazement, not just because Timo Werner had scored first.
Despite expectations, Manchester City fought back, with Matheus Nunes scoring before halftime, and Spurs made a concerted effort to win. They created many opportunities in the second half, some of which were obvious, but they failed to take advantage.
Late Drama and Defensive Heroics
When Richarlison, on as a substitute, failed to finish from close range on 83 minutes, it appeared that City would have a chance to save their skins, to save a performance that did not meet Pep Guardiola’s expectations.
They succeeded, with Nico O’Reilly, 19, receiving the ball after Guglielmo Vicario flapped at a corner. The shot was headed for the goal, but Yves Bissouma, who had just come off the bench, made the most spectacular goalline save.
Postecoglou’s Nerve-Wracking Moments
It was intensely tense, with Spurs putting their fans through the wringer because there was fear that even before Nunes’ goal, as the tide turned, Ange Postecoglou’s team would blow it.
Perhaps that explains why the celebrations were so raucous when the six minutes of stoppage time were up, with music blasting and everyone dancing. They played the Abba song for Dejan Kulusevski because he had been outstanding, the driving force.
A Deserved Triumph
The Spurs had done it. They had the result of reviving their season and their self-belief, and it was one they deserved, no matter how difficult they made it for themselves. They had their worst performance of the season on Sunday, losing to Crystal Palace. Positive emotions arose here. Could they finally get their trophy?
Werner’s Early Impact
Although neither Postecoglou nor Guardiola’s lineups could be considered weak, they both made adjustments, and the former lost Micky van de Ven to a hamstring injury in the 13 minutes; He was not the only player who sustained an injury. However, Spurs had already taken the lead by that point, with Werner scoring his first of the year following a break that was started by Brennan Johnson and a beautiful low cross from Kulusevski.
Man City Struggles and Spurs Momentum
It was odd to watch City struggle to join their passes early on, as Guardiola started Phil Foden in the No. 9 position with James McAtee working off him. Ilkay Gündogan was lucky that Werner’s shot went directly at Stefan Ortega after he missed one to John Stones on the edge of his area.
When Pape Sarr made it 2-0 halfway through the first half, Spurs were in serious trouble. Sarr began his long-range curler well outside the near post, and Kulusevski and Werner worked a short corner. The midfielder surprised Ortega by successfully bringing the ball back inside it at the last second. It was a great technique.
Man City Push for a Comeback
Spurs then stopped making mistakes and slipping back, as they had done in the past. The city began excavating their bases. They made opportunities. Nunes outpaced Archie Grey and nearly found Foden. After another ball from Nunes, Foden volleyed high.
When the signal for four minutes of stoppage time was given, the home crowd groaned. After Spurs substitute Destiny Udogie got into trouble, Foden had just lifted a free-kick off target. They appeared to know what was going to happen. When Nunes was left alone at the far post and Savinho beat Udogie to cross, it did.
Postecoglou’s Tactical Shift
Postecoglou was aware that his team needed to start the second half with more vigour, and they did. Before the hour, they got in behind City’s high last line several times, but they were unable to score a third goal.
Throughout the first half, the South Stand chanted, “Timo Werner scores when he wants.” They are aware that it is untrue. Werner blew another opportunity high after wasting a one-on-one with Ortega. The goalie would also extend a hand to stop Kulusevski as he ran clear up the inside right after Johnson had extended Ortega.
Injuries and Tension Build
While City lost Manuel Akanji during the warm-up and Savinho was taken away on a stretcher following an awkward fall, Spurs suffered another injury blow when Cristian Romero was forced off. Jacob Wright, who was 19 years old, came on.
Close Calls and Final Whistle
Spurs had to cope with the knowledge that they should have been out of sight after losing Werner to a groin issue; one City flash could have ruined everything. Wright nearly supplied it. He bent his shot just inches past the post after making a confident touch on the area’s edge. It was near. O’Reilly approached. This season, City will have to search elsewhere for trophies.
Guardiola remarked, “The news is not that we lost, but how long we didn’t lose.” We were a little hungover from last season’s FA Cup final against Manchester United. Although I dislike losing, this competition is a little different.
Holabet News is your trusted online betting site in Singapore. Your winning journey starts here!