Tottenham Hotspur showed some much-needed fight against Manchester City as they battled back from two goals down to secure a draw, moving back up to 14th place.
Let’s take a look at five things we learned from Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City:
Manchester City’s Tottenham curse continues
It was a mixed night, no doubt, for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City, with Spurs dreadful in the first half and struggling to cope with the visitors’ movement and intensity.
However, in the second forty-five minutes, it was an entirely different beast, with Tottenham playing with much-needed intensity and drive, chasing down every ball and closing City down, limiting them from playing their usual football.
That is an impressive four points taken from Pep Guardiola’s side this season, and many Spurs fans at the start of the campaign could perhaps have predicted Tottenham getting a result against the Citizens, given that Spurs have won seven of the last fifteen meetings, with City winning six and the rest ending in draws.
The Lilywhites continue to remain a thorn in the flesh for the Manchester club, who failed to reduce the gap between themselves and Arsenal back to four points with a draw tonight.
Dominic Solanke inspired the comeback
It was indeed a comeback inspired by Dominic Solanke, who grabbed two goals as Tottenham earned a vital point after a dismal first-half showing.
The forward showed exactly what Spurs have been missing for much of the season, using his strength to force Tottenham’s first goal and drag the team back into the contest.
For the second, it was a beautiful improvisation from the centre-forward, who produced a stunning scorpion kick to score from almost nothing.
He was later forced off with a knock, and the hope now is that it is nothing serious, given the difficult run of games to come.
Xavi Simons delivered his best Spurs performance
While Solanke will make the headlines, Xavi Simons was arguably the unsung hero for Tottenham, producing a standout second-half display.
The Dutchman looks to be finding much-needed rhythm in a Tottenham shirt and has appeared a far more assured presence since the turn of the year.
Here, he took responsibility, showing physicality, riding challenges, dropping deep to get on the ball and carrying Spurs up the pitch, with his passing in transition consistently sharp and effective.
Tottenham’s leadership group is being stretched thin
Spurs remain severely stretched, something Thomas Frank has openly admitted, stating that his side has grown weaker since the start of the winter window.
That was again evident today, with Frank forced to name a starting XI featuring players out of position due to the ongoing injury crisis.
With Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Ben Davies all sidelined, only Guglielmo Vicario and Cristian Romero from the leadership group started against City.
Romero, however, did not finish the game as he was withdrawn at half-time. It has since been revealed that it was a planned change with the Argentine reported to be unwell.
Spurs still need reinforcement before the winter window slams shut
With injuries continuing to mount and further doubts over Romero and Solanke after this game, it is increasingly clear that Tottenham need reinforcements.
Frank’s squad is stretched thin, with several absentees facing extended spells on the sidelines, and while two Spurs players could return in time for the north London derby, that alone will not be enough.
With just over 24 hours left before the winter window closes, Tottenham still have a narrow opportunity to strengthen, and while a permanent signing may be difficult, a loan move has not been ruled out by Frank.