Manchester City defeated Tottenham at Etihad Stadium in an incredible comeback, cutting the distance between Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points.
When Spurs scored twice in the last seconds of the first half to leave Pep Guardiola’s team facing a third straight defeat, it appeared like they were doing fierce north London rivals Arsenal a tremendous favor.
Following Ederson’s sloppy clearance and Rodrigo Bentancur’s robbery of Dejan Kulusevski to give Spurs the lead just before halftime, Emerson Royal headed in a second goal after the City goalkeeper could only parry Harry Kane’s attempt.
Most spectators at the Etihad Stadium were disappointed, but City, motivated by the great Riyad Mahrez, exploded after the break to completely change the game with three goals.
Julian Alvarez scored from close range after Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris could not claim Mahrez’s cross in the 51st minute, then Erling Haaland headed in from close range two minutes later to draw City level.
Spurs almost regained the lead when Ivan Perisic’s shot was deflected onto the woodwork by Rico Lewis before Mahrez completed City’s comeback, winning a challenge before beating Lloris at his near post.
France veteran Lloris was at fault once again after his own goal set Arsenal on their way to victory in the derby on Sunday.
Mahrez completed a brilliant individual display when he raced clear in stoppage time to lift a clever finish over the keeper for City’s fourth.
