Dominic Solanke’s breathtaking scorpion kick dealt a significant blow to Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes as Tottenham recovered from two goals down to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side appeared on course for a comfortable victory in north London after first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo put them firmly in control. But Tottenham roared back after the break, inspired by Solanke, who scored twice including a sensational acrobatic effort that will rank among the goals of the season.
The England striker first pulled one back shortly after half-time before producing an audacious back-flick finish that echoed Olivier Giroud’s iconic scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in 2017.
Ironically, it was Tottenham’s fiercest rivals who benefited most from Solanke’s moment of brilliance. With Arsenal’s 4-0 demolition of Leeds on Saturday leaving City with no margin for error, the champions now trail the league leaders by six points. Combined with Aston Villa’s defeat by Brentford, it was a near-perfect weekend for Mikel Arteta’s side.
City’s stuttering form continued despite entering the match on the back of consecutive 2-0 wins over Wolves and Galatasaray. Guardiola’s men have now won just once in their last six league games, a far cry from the dominant team that claimed six titles in seven seasons before last year.
Tottenham, lifeless in the first half, showed renewed fight after the interval. Leading the club into the Champions League last 16 with a midweek win at Eintracht Frankfurt had already eased the pressure on under-fire manager Thomas Frank, and this spirited comeback offered further encouragement.
City struck early when Cherki opened the scoring in the 11th minute, curling a precise low shot into the far corner after Bernardo Silva won possession high up the pitch. Erling Haaland squandered a chance to double the lead moments later, chipping onto the roof of the net.
Semenyo made it 2-0 just before the break, capitalising on a careless pass from Radu Dragusin and finishing clinically after sharp work from Rodri and Silva.
Tottenham found hope eight minutes into the second half as Solanke controlled Xavi Simons’ pass under pressure and poked the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma. City’s appeals for offside were waved away.
The equaliser arrived in stunning fashion in the 70th minute. Conor Gallagher’s pressing forced a turnover, and his lofted cross was met by Solanke, who twisted acrobatically to flick an astonishing finish over Donnarumma and into the top corner.
City were rattled and needed a superb save from Donnarumma to deny Simons a late winner as Tottenham pushed for all three points.
With a League Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle looming and a crucial clash with Liverpool to follow, Guardiola’s side must quickly rediscover their edge if their title defence is to stay alive.
AFP
