Thursday, 27 Feb, 2025

Sports

Haaland scores on return as Man City edge past Spurs

Sports Desk | banglanews24.com
Update: 2025-02-27 10:01:37
Haaland scores on return as Man City edge past Spurs photo collected

Erling Haaland marked his comeback with a goal as Manchester City secured a crucial win against Tottenham Hotspur, strengthening their push for a top-four finish.

City started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Haaland, left unmarked, calmly slotted Jeremy Doku’s low cross into the bottom corner with a first-time finish.

The visitors had a chance to extend their lead when Doku set up Savinho at the back post, but the Brazilian's shot bounced into the ground and over Guglielmo Vicario’s goal.

Tottenham struggled to create opportunities in the first half, with their first real threat coming just before the break when Kevin Danso’s header forced Ederson into a fine save. City then launched a swift counterattack, but Matheus Nunes failed to pick out Omar Marmoush, who was in a great position.

City’s control faded after halftime, allowing Spurs to grow into the game. Ederson had to react quickly to keep out Wilson Odobert’s deflected shot, while Mathys Tel missed a golden opportunity when he scuffed a clear-cut chance. Substitute Pape Sarr also squandered an opportunity, slicing his effort wide.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou surprised many by benching Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min, but their introduction injected fresh energy into Spurs’ attack. Son nearly found an equaliser, only for Ederson to deny him in a one-on-one situation.

Reflecting on the match, Pep Guardiola admitted City suffered in the second half: "The game was open because we didn’t finish it off earlier. In this stadium, they always have 20 to 25 minutes of pressure."

Haaland, returning after missing defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool, thought he had doubled City's lead in stoppage time. However, the referee ruled he had handled the ball before scoring, and a VAR review upheld the decision due to inconclusive evidence.

Spurs nearly capitalized on that reprieve, but Sarr headed over from their final chance.

The victory lifts City to fourth place, while Tottenham remain in 13th.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1000 HRS, FEB 27, 202
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