Tottenham quenches all doubts with determination to win
This match evokes memories of the 2023-2024 season, when Manchester City traveled to Tottenham's stadium and needed a victory to maintain their advantage in the championship race.
Coach Ange Postecoglou at the time admitted that he was surprised that a part of Spurs fans seemed to accept defeat. Because that meant Arsenal - an irreconcilable rival in North London - would find it difficult to reach the first Premier League title since 2004.
This time, the context is different. Man City came with a 7-point gap from Arsenal. But the old question remains, how many people in the stands will really be satisfied if Tottenham loses another home game, as long as Arsenal does not benefit?
In fact, the first half took place in a rather bland atmosphere. Man City dominated, while Spurs continued to show a disappointing face at home. The boos appeared when the whistle ended the first 45 minutes, but the feeling surrounding the stadium at that time was not necessarily anger, but like indifference. Fans were too familiar with the bland performances of the "Roosters" at home.
However, the next 45 minutes completely reversed. Tottenham stepped onto the field with a completely different spirit and energy. No one could doubt Spurs' determination, a team that played so explosively that it was almost impossible to recognize compared to themselves before. They could even have won all 3 points in the final minutes.
The championship race is still long, so this result may not be enough to determine the worries of Spurs fans who fear Arsenal's "major day" is approaching. But what is worth mentioning is that Tottenham can completely collapse, instead they have fought to stand up. And in a familiar paradox in North London, Spurs have just done a not small thing for their arch-rival.
Thomas Frank is temporarily safe
Thomas Frank has reason to "cry out to heaven" when talking about Tottenham's decline in form. Including a long injury list with a total of 11 players. He would have wondered many times how things could have been different if Spurs had not lost Dominic Solanke for more than 4 months due to an ankle injury.
This is only Solanke's sixth appearance since returning, and also only his third start. But the English striker immediately showed the sharpness that no other Spurs striker can currently match.
After important goals against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, Solanke has scored 4 goals in 6 matches since his return. And the second goal against Man City was truly an inspiring moment.
Tottenham still has problems in creating coherence on the attacking front. One of the frequent criticisms aimed at Frank is that Spurs' football under his command is too bland, lacks highlights and is easy to read.
Therefore, Solanke's ability to bring resilience, directness and confidence to the declining attack is a huge boost for a coach who is under heavy pressure. Frank still has question marks, but clearly things could have been much worse without Solanke leading Tottenham to recover from a 2-goal lead to snatch back one point.
