Player Ratings: Dominic Solanke shines as Spurs produce comeback against Man City | OneFootball

Player Ratings: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Man City

Tottenham Hotspur produced one of those stirring Premier League comebacks that change the mood around a football club, rallying from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Man City in north London. For Thomas Frank’s side, it felt like a turning point, for Pep Guardiola and his side it felt like two points slipping through their fingers.

City were slick and ruthless early on. A careless Yves Bissouma turnover was punished by Rayan Cherki, and when Antoine Semenyo doubled the lead just before half time it appeared the contest was done. Tottenham were passive, unsure and second best in every department.

Everything changed after the interval. Spurs came out with greater aggression, sharper pressing and far more belief. Dominic Solanke halved the deficit with a finish of pure instinct, then levelled the match with what can only be described as a moment of centre forward artistry. The 2-2 scoreline barely captured the emotional swing of the afternoon.

Both sides had chances to win it late on, but in truth a draw suited the narrative. Tottenham Hotspur gained a vital shot of confidence, Man City were left pondering a title race that has suddenly tightened.

Momentum shift in north London

The first half belonged almost entirely to City. Rodri dictated play, Cherki and Bernardo Silva found pockets of space, and Spurs were unable to get near them. The back three of Romero, Dragusin and Palhinha never settled, which allowed Erling Haaland and Cherki to run riot between the lines.

After the break, Spurs were braver. Xavi Simons took on responsibility, Conor Gallagher drove through midfield and Solanke became the focal point of everything positive. City, who had looked comfortable, suddenly began to creak under pressure.

Dominic Solanke leads revival

Solanke’s contribution went far beyond the goals. His movement dragged City’s centre backs into uncomfortable areas, creating space for Simons and Gallagher to exploit. Even though he completed just five passes, the striker did what he is paid to do and changed the game.

There will be concern about him limping off late on, but for now Spurs will savour a performance that reminded everyone what Tottenham Hotspur can be when belief returns.

Title race implications for Man City

For Man City, this was a missed opportunity. They were dominant for 45 minutes, yet failed to manage the second half. Guardiola’s side lacked composure once Spurs found momentum, and although Donnarumma made several big saves, the champions looked unusually vulnerable.

Dropping points here keeps the pressure firmly on in the Premier League race, especially with Arsenal sitting clear at the top.

Player Ratings Tottenham Hotspur

Guglielmo Vicario 5Joao Palhinha 5Cristian Romero 5Radu Dragusin 4Archie Gray 6Conor Gallagher 6Yves Bissouma 4Destiny Udogie 6Randal Kolo Muani 5Xavi Simons 8Dominic Solanke 7

Player Ratings Man City

Gianluigi Donnarumma 7Matheus Nunes 5Abdukodir Khusanov 6Marc Guehi 6Rayan Ait Nouri 6Nico O’Reilly 6Rodri 7Antoine Semenyo 6Bernardo Silva 6Rayan Cherki 8Erling Haaland 5

Tottenham Hotspur and Man City both left the pitch knowing this 2-2 draw could have long lasting consequences. For Spurs it might be the spark that reignites their season, for City it could be the moment the title race truly came alive.