Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur came up against each other with City trailing by one goal after the first leg. Usually, a game of this nature with narrow margins are often conservative and cagey. It’s like a boxing match where both the opponents spar at each other instead of coming out too aggressively.
However, Spurs and City decided to have a no holds barred street fight as all the tactics, team talk went out of the window in the opening 20 minutes and both the teams just played with passion, grit, and emotion. Five goals were exchanged in the first half as City looked like scoring with every opportunity. City went in 3-2 ahead at half time.
The game had its moment of calmness in the second half, but it was still frantic. Sergio Aguero finished from a tight angle, and that brought City in the driving seat. However, Fernando Llorente scored against the run of play which sent Spurs through the away goal rule. Throw in some VAR controversy and last minute close calls; we probably witnessed one of the greatest Champions League game of the 21st century. The final score read 4-3 in City’s favour, but the North London club went through based on their away goals.
Hugo Lloris 7
Couldn’t have done much for the goals he conceded. Put in some top drawer saves in the second half when Spurs were hanging on.
Toby Alderweireld 6.5
Probably one of the calmest heads on the pitch. Put in some last ditched tackles, blocks and interceptions. Guilty of ducking out of the way for the first goal though.
Jan Vertonghen 6.5
It’s tough to defend defenders when they concede four. However, we still feel Vertonghen did a decent enough job in the end.
Danny Rose 5.5
Struggled for the most part of the game defensively. City were often creating a 2v1 situation on the left, and Rose was often undecided whether he should stick close to his centre or try to man the wide regions. Did make one brilliant tackle to keep the ball out in the second half.
Kieran Trippier 5
Sterling found a lot of joy against his national team-mate. Trippier was often slow to close down his man.
Moussa Sissoko 6
The French midfielder’s night ended early as he went down with a groin injury.
Victor Wanyama 6.5
Covered the danger well on occasions. However, he just had too much on his plate as City’s movement in the attacking third was a bit too hot to handle.
Dele Alli 4
Had to play in a deeper role after Sissoko’s injury and looked uncomfortable. Worked hard but was beaten on various occasions defensively.
Christian Eriksen 6
His back pass in the end almost cost Spurs the game. Had to put in a shift defensively like all the players. Picked out some good passes in the first half which caused problems to City.
Lucas Moura 6
His pace up front troubled the City defenders early on. However, was left isolated for the most parts as the game progressed.
Son Heung Min 8
The South Korean has been in red hot form this season and showed what he could do in front of goal. Some brilliant touches as he bagged a brace in the first half. Always looked like scoring when he had the ball on his feet in the attacking third.
Substitutes
Fernando Llorente 6
Brave call by Pochettino to throw him in after Sissoko’s injury. Held up play well and put in a shift at the back. Scored the winning goal from a corner but didn’t know much about it as the ball hit his waist and went in.
Ben Davies 6
Saw out the game in the end.
Davinson Sanchez N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
