Tottenham pulled off a sensational 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon to take them within four points of the Champions League places. City dominated the first half, squandering a number of great chances before missing a spot-kick -- awarded following a long VAR review of over two minutes -- just before the break. Spurs somehow managed to survive the City onslaught without conceding and were soon handed a gift in the form of a red card, with City's Oleksandr Zinchenko dismissed for a second yellow on the hour mark.
The dismissal proved to be pivotal as an emboldened Tottenham side surged forward and scored just three minutes later as new signing Steven Bergwijn broke the deadlock with a supreme volley. Heung-Min Son made it two not long after, lashing home from just outside the box to seal a remarkable victory.
Positives
January signing Steven Bergwijn massively impressed on his league debut, providing some fine pieces of skill and executing a stunning volley to give Spurs the lead in the second half. Additionally, the form of captain Hugo Lloris between the posts will also surely please Jose Mourinho. The France international pulled off a fine stop to deny Sergio Aguero early on, before also saving Ilkay Gundogan's controversial penalty.
Negatives
Manager rating out of 10
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Lloris, 9 -- Was superb in the first half and kept Spurs in the match seemingly all by himself. Without the veteran keeper, the game may well have been over by half-time.
DF Serge Aurier, 6 -- Another mixed display from the wing-back, who at times looked assured in both defence and attack. However, a predictably brainless tackle on Aguero, which eventually led to a City penalty, undermined much of his previous good work.
DF Davinson Sanchez, 7 -- Guilty of sloppy distribution on more than one occasion, with one particular loss of possession almost leading to a City goal. However, Sanchez was solid in a positional sense, not an easy task when up against an attack of such tremendous quality.
DF Toby Alderweireld, 8 -- Despite receiving a yellow card, the 30-year-old was the home side's best defender throughout. Accurate distribution and intelligent interceptions played a key role in securing a crucial clean sheet.
DF Japhet Tanganga, 7 -- Another mature performance from the academy graduate, who studiously stuck to his defensive duties. This afternoon was perhaps another indicator that the defender's long-term future remains at centre-back.
MF Harry Winks, 7 -- Struggled early on up against an intense City press, with wasteful passes aplenty. He did improve in the second half, however, assisting his side with some vital interceptions.
MF Giovani Lo Celso, 6 -- With Spurs out of possession for the majority of the match, the Argentine's creatively was blunted as defensive duties became the priority from the onset.
MF Dele Alli, 6 -- Playing in the number 10 role, the 23-year-old looked consistently dangerous on the break. Yet his end product wasn't quite good enough whenever he got into ominous positions.
FW Steven Bergwijn, 8 -- Spurs' newest arrival took little time to acclimatise, with his quality obvious from the very beginning. However, it was his first goal in the Lilywhite shirt that will live longest in the memory, a sensational volley to hand his side a shock lead.
FW Lucas Moura, 8 -- The Brazilian winger hasn't quite hit the heights of last season but Sunday's lively outing as the lone-forward was certainly a step-back in the right direction. Registered an assist for Son's emphatic goal.
FW Son Heung-Min, 7 -- Featuring on the right wing, it was to be an unusually quiet afternoon for the deadly forward -- that was, until the 71st minute. Son hammered the ball past Ederson to score his side's second goal, and seal a famous victory in the process.
Substitutes
MF Tanguy Ndombele, 7 -- Replaced the injured Alli with 20 minutes to go and performed well. Also provided the crucial assist for the decisive second goal.
FW Erik Lamela, 6 -- Replaced Bergwijn and played with sufficient energy to keep Man City guessing as they pushed to get back into the game.
MF Eric Dier, NR -- Came on late for Moura to provide extra defensive ballast and protect the two-goal lead.