Manchester City 2-3 Tottenham: Player ratings & man of the match as Kane brace downs champions

Manchester City’s Premier League title aspirations took a dent on Saturday as they lost 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur at home.

It was a day to remember for Harry Kane, as the striker scored a second-half brace to wrap up three points for Antonio Conte’s side.

Spurs took the lead after just four minutes when January signing Dejan Kulusevski tapped in after a Heung-min Son pass.

But the hosts responded on 33 minutes as Ilkay Gundgan smashed in an equaliser, meaning it was 1-1 at half-time.

Kane slotted past Ederson after the break to put Spurs ahead again, while he had a goal ruled out for handball soon after, before Cristian Romero was correctly judged to have handled the ball in the box near the 90-minute mark.

Riyad Mahrez netted from the spot and appeared to have secured a point for City, but Kane wasn’t done, and in the fifth minute of injury-time he headed the ball past Ederson after an enthralling game at Etihad.

Manchester City player ratings

Ederson- 6

Made big saves to deny Son and Kane in the second half, although perhaps the keeper could have done better for the latter’s offside goal.

Kyle Walker- 5

Enjoyed a real battle with Son, but it was one the South Korean largely won. Walker often tucked inside and formed an auxiliary back three when Joao Cancelo advanced, while Walker himself habitability looked to create chances from right-back. The ex-Spurs man didn’t defend the cross that led to Kane’s injury-time winner well.

Ruben Dias- 6

Was at fault for Spurs’ first goal when he tried to play Son offside, but otherwise it was a solid display. The defender went close with a near-post flick on 52 minutes.

Aymeric Laporte- 6

Saw a lot of the ball but oddly didn’t have a lot to deal with as Kane dropped deep. Laporte appeared to pick up a knock late on but managed to play on.

Joao Cancelo- 7

Was a constant threat down the left and spent more time in the opposition half than his own. Cancelo produced three shots in the first period and linked well with Sterling. Didn’t track Kane’s run for his first goal.

Rodri- 5

Not as sharp as we’ve become accustomed to from City’s midfield maestro, who misplaced a few passes and was a little off the pace. It was just an off day, however, from perhaps the team’s most consistent player this season.

Ilkay Gundogan- 8

Had an impressive evening for City and was often at the heart of their best moves. It was Gundogan who smashed home the equaliser in the first half, while he hit the post early on and saw a great shot saved by Hugo Lloris on 66 minutes.

Kevin De Bruyne- 7

Demonstrated real energy and passion in the middle, although he popped up all over the pitch. While De Bruyne’s passing was excellent, he failed to create many clear-cut opportunities for team-mates.

Bernardo Silva- 5

Wasn’t at his very best after that outstanding display in midweek. Silva played most of the game as a central striker, but did switch to the left after Raheem Sterling was replaced. The No.20 had several half chances but didn’t manage to take up many good positions to score form. It was his cross that resulted in Romero’s late handball.

Raheem Sterling- 7 (off 68)

It was his cross that set up Gundogan’s equaliser and he was lively down the left for City. Sterling caused Emerson Royal repeated issues with his dribbling and quick one-twos. It was a surprise to see him replaced late on.

Phil Foden- 5

Wasn’t his direct and dangerous self at the Etihad and it was a surprise he remained on the pitch when Riyad Mahrez came on.

Riyad Mahrez- 6 (on 68)

Added a bit more trickery and threat from crosses, while it was the winger’s late penalty that seemed to have wrapped up an injury-time point for the hosts.

Tottenham Hotspur player ratings

Lloris 6; Romero 7, Dier 7, Davies 6; Royal 6 (Doherty 83), Hojberg 7, Bentancur 8, Sessegnon 5 (Sanchez 94+); Kulusevski 7, Kane 9, Son 8 (Moura 79).

Man of the Match

Harry Kane was the standout performer on Saturday, and not just for his second-half brace. The striker’s movement and passing caused City problems all day - the defenders just couldn’t find a way to stop him dropping into the hole. Maybe City should have tried to sign him in the summer...