Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to record a 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League this afternoon.
Samir Nasri gave the visitors a half-time lead when he volleyed in at the back post.
However, a spirited response from hosts Spurs in after the restart saw them eventually claim all three points courtesy of goals from Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two teams.
Match statistics:
Tottenham:
Shots 11
On target 8
Possession 55%
Corners 4
Fouls 11
Man City:
Shots 11
On target 7
Possession 45%
Corners 5
Fouls 10
Was the result fair?
If one had said at half time that Tottenham would end up cruising to victory, one would have been laughed at. The away side controlled the encounter and looked as though they would record their fifth win on the bounce over Spurs. The tide turned, though, and when their chances arrived, Spurs were simply more clinical. For that reason alone, they deserved the spoils.
Tottenham's performance
The less said about the first half the better! Their passing was poor and they really missed the influence of Aaron Lennon on the right wing. Credit must go to manager Andre Villas-Boas in the second half, though, because the introductions of Lewis Holbty, Tom Huddlestone and Defoe swung the encounter in Tottenham's favour. They ran riot in the final 15 minutes and their confidence should be high as the race for Champions League football hots up.
Man City's performance
For 70 minutes, manager Roberto Mancini will have had every reason to be delighted with his players. They were the better side and looked the more likely to score the game's second goal. However, they failed to deal with the tactical switch from their hosts and paid the ultimate price. What will be disappointing for the Italian is the fact that his team dropped so deep after Tottenham had levelled up the contest.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Gareth Bale: Granted, the Welshman wasn't at his best during the opening 45 minutes, but without him Spurs wouldn't have won today. He moved to the right wing in the second half and caused no end of problems. His cross for Dempsey's goal was top class, while his chipped finish for Tottenham's third goal oozed quality.
Biggest gaffe
Everybody knows that Defoe's right foot is lethal. So, as a defender, the last thing you want to do is to give him an opportunity on that side. That is exactly what City skipper Vincent Kompany did and the Spurs striker punished him by curling the ball into the bottom corner of the net to put his team 2-1 up.
Referee performance
Top stuff from Lee Mason, who was going to be in for a tough afternoon when you consider the pace that is in both teams. He kept up with play well and allowed the match to flow. The official played a big part in the quality of the encounter.
What next?
Tottenham: The Londoners are on the road next time out when they travel to face relegation candidates Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
Man City: The Citizens return to home comforts next Saturday afternoon when West Ham United visit the Etihad Stadium.
Liam Apicella
