Spurs adapt to deliver more drama and frustrate City

Ange Postecoglou has still not emulated Cristian Stellini and Nuno Espirito Santo but he may have made his point in rather different fashion. It was not exactly "Angeball" in its purest form but it was compelling, chaotic entertainment as Tottenham halted their losing streak, picked up an improbable point and gave Arsenal a bigger cushion at the Premier League summit than they presumably expected.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Spurs are no strangers to late drama at the Etihad Stadium, whether the disallowed Sergio Aguero goal that sent them on their way towards the 2019 Champions League final or Harry Kane's 95th-minute winner in 2022. They completed a hat-trick of sorts, frustrating Manc ester City again courtesy of Dejan Kulusevski. Not exactly known for his heading, the Swede soared above Nathan Ake - a defender brought on to see out a victory and headed in Brennan Johnson's cross. For the second time, Tottenham had come from behind. In their own way, they had scored four of the six goals, with Son Heung-min - not quite the prodigal son - proving more prolific than they had hoped by finding the net at each end.

For City, however, this was the rout that wasn't, the game that promised a thrashing and delivered a draw. They were inches from putting Tottenham out of sight, twice hitting the woodwork, and squandered some fine chances, but a lack of ruthlessness meant they ended up dropping points at the Etihad for a second successive weekend.