Pep Guardiola has vowed that Manchester City will continue their Premier League title push despite surrendering a two-goal lead in a damaging 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
City appeared in full control in north London after racing into a first-half lead through goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. But Guardiola’s men collapsed after the break as Tottenham mounted a spirited comeback.
Spurs pulled one back when Dominic Solanke bundled the ball home after making contact with City defender Marc Guehi. The incident was reviewed by VAR, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Tottenham’s pressure eventually paid off as Solanke produced a sensational scorpion-kick equaliser from Conor Gallagher’s cross, a moment that stunned City and the Etihad rivals alike.
The dramatic draw proved costly for second-placed City, who now trail Premier League leaders Arsenal FC by six points.
After the game, Guardiola voiced his frustration over Tottenham’s first goal and its impact on the match.
“If a central defender does it to a striker, it’s a penalty,” Guardiola said.
“The game was well played and sometimes for long balls and second balls you miss it.
We would prefer not to have the transition but an emotional issue for the first goal that the referee conceded to Spurs and after that the momentum is difficult to control.”
The City boss was booked for his protests and appeared visibly stunned as replays were shown on the big screens inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
City have now won just once in their last six league games, a run that has allowed Arsenal to recover from their own recent dip in form. The Gunners’ 4-0 victory over Leeds on Saturday suggested they are back on track, but Guardiola remains defiant.
“With 14 games to play? As much the chance is there, the hopes will always be there,” he said.
“Players are coming back. A month ago we had nine or 10 players out injured, but we are still there. The spirit was incredibly good.”
For Tottenham, the comeback was a major morale boost for under-fire manager Thomas Frank, who has faced increasing pressure in recent weeks.
Despite missing 11 players through injury and seeing both Solanke and Archie Gray struggle late on, Frank praised his side’s resilience.
“I’m extremely happy that we finally got a point out of a big second half,” he said.
“This team’s ability to respond to setbacks and show resilience is growing bit by bit.
With players dropping left, right and centre to injury, I think that shows everything about what this team is building. I’m very proud of the players.”
The result leaves the title race finely poised, with momentum swinging and pressure mounting as the Premier League season heads into its decisive phase.
