Spurs’ hammer blow for City

MANCHESTER City’s Barclays Premier League title ambitions were dealt a potentially-fatal blow with a second successive home defeat by top of the table rivals.

Following the previous week’s 3-1 loss to Leicester, City knew victory over Tottenham was vital but the side nonetheless lost 2-1, as Christian Eriksen scored an 83rd–minute winner which put Spurswithin two points of leaders Leicester.

City had fought back after Harry Kane's disputed penalty kick to level through substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, but a late lapse allowed Eriksen to pounce.

After a goalless first half, the complexion of the game changed dramatically when Raheem Sterling was harshly ruled to have handled inside the penalty area as he turned his back to block a Danny Rose cross.

There was intense debate over whether it hit his arm at all, or how it could even have been deliberate.

It was also only just inside the box. Kane brushed aside the controversy to register his 19th goal of the season.

City rallied and hit the bar through Yaya Toure before Iheanacho lashed in a fine leveller.

But as City pushed for a winner that would have lifted them within three points of the top, Toure lost possession and Erik Lamela charged forward to set up Eriksen.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini is confident his injury–hit squad can recover.

He said: "We must continue fighting. It is very important to start working again and believe all things can happen."