Tottenham vs Man City: Premier League Review and Player Ratings

Gameweek 9 was anticipated to be an enthralling one as two of the greatest managers were set to face each other as Tottenham hosted Manchester City in the premier league.

Jose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managerial rivalries in the history of the game locked horns with each other yet again.

Despite Pep's domination in the head-to-head battles against Jose, the Portuguese has now won both of the last two times they've faced, coincidently with the same scoreline (2-0).

The game commenced with Manchester City starting playing their usual based game while Tottenham Hotspur had a clear idea in their mind, to find spaces, hit on the counter, and be as clinical as they can.

Well, Tottenham were certainly a brute force in every department as the Cityzens barely created any clear cut chances.

The 5th minute of the game saw a quick free-kick again as Spurs midfielder Tanguy Ndombele played a superb aerial through ball for Heung-Min Son. Well, you know what happens next usually, Son scores! 

Manchester City was quick enough to respond and their response was stronger, with constant balls raining in the Tottenham final-third. Though what Pep Guardiola failed to anticipate was how the Special One's defensive statistics boast great numbers.

Spurs were solid at the back and their skipper Hugo Lloris barely got a chance to save anything.

The last few meetings between the two teams have foreseen a huge involvement of VAR be it in the Premier League or the Champions League. Unfortunately, the ex-Barcelona manager has always been on the receiving end.

The 27th minute of the game saw Gabriel Jesus set up what was a spectacular finish for Aymeric Laporte, especially for a central defender. However, in the build-up, the ball had chipped off Jesus' hand, helping Michael Oliver when he checked the incident again on the pitchside monitor.

Consequently, City were denied the goal and their struggle to change the scoreline continued. The second half of the game was expected to be even more exciting than the first and most of us had anticipated the 2017-18 and 2018-19 champions to do more.

However, they were more sluggish in the second half and that led to Tottenham's second goal in the 65th minute. Harry Kane received a shot out away by the Spurs defenders just ahead of the half-line and the English skipper carried the ball through, finally playing a through ball in the space for Giovanni Lo Celso, who fired into the net only after spending 35 seconds on the pitch.

The Cityzens then lost their hope and their chances faded as the game progressed. Raheem Sterling who started on the bench this evening was brought on in place of Riyad Mahrez who was pocketed by Sergio Reguilon for the majority of the game.

Sterling who was not 100% fit according to Pep to start the game did not add much too and Spurs claimed the top spot after a really long time. Let's have a look at the player ratings for this game.

TOTTENHAM:

Hugo Lloris: 8/10 

The only reason for the given 8 is that he barely got 2 chances to stop in the entire game. However, both were headers and with Tottenham keeping a clean sheet, he doesn't deserve any less.

Toby Alderwerield: 8/10

Alderwerield has formed a steady partnership at the back with Eric Dier. His positioning and experience were evident in a commanding display at the back for Tottenham.

Eric Dier: 9/10 

Only because his mistakes in the game were negligible and he made some serious blocks, the midfielder turned central defender deserves a perfect 10.

Sergio Reguilon: 9/10

Another top performer for the day. Kept Mahrez in his pocket for the entire game. Always looking to bombard forward to support the attack.

Moussa Sissoko: 7/10

Had a steady game in midfield and tried to nullify the influence of Kevin De Bruyne.

Pierre Hojbjerg: 9/10

The terrier in the defensive midfield. Looks a complete steal for 15m for Tottenham.

Tanguy Ndombele: 9/10

The Frenchman now has full faith in the boss and his assist was evidence of the quality he possesses.

Heung-Min Son: 9/10 

There's only one word for him. Clinical though he could've easily scored another.

Harry Kane: 10/10 

He was the glue that stuck the team together. Every counter-attack had him in the middle and his ability to drop in and take the number 10 role has done wonders for Jose and Co. until now.

Steven Bergwijn: 8/10

Was the midfield engine throughout the match. Is an ideal Mourinho player who works his socks off in each game.

MANCHESTER CITY

Ederson: 3/10 

Terrible positioning for the first goal. if had stayed on his line, it would have made it difficult for Son to score. Another instance where he came out of his box and almost conceded only for Son's heavy touch which took the ball away from him. 

Ruben Dias: 5/10

The new signing from Benfica is yet to prove his mettle in the premier league. 

Aymeric Laporte: 4/10

A goal for him could've helped his ratings. But was at fault for the first goal pushing way up the pitch trying to stay tight to Harry Kane and in the process leaving a huge gap for Son to exploit. 

Kyle Walker: 6/10

Had a steady first half. Didn't get involved in the attack in the second half.

Joao Cancelo: 7/10

Had a great start to the game acting a playmaking left-back, but his influence on the game wasn't at the same level in the second half.

Kevin de Bruyne: 5/10

As per his high standards, had a poor game. His set-pieces and shooting were also way off the mark. 

Rodri: 6/10

He has good ball distribution ability but what he lacks is tenacity in the middle of the park.

Bernardo Silva: 5/10

A silky player but needs to be more direct in his game. He got in good positions a couple of times where he could have tested the keeper but rather decided to pass to his teammates.

Riyad Mahrez: 5/10

Non-existent in most parts of the game. Lacked imagination in the final third. One of the poor performers of the day.

Ferran Torres: 6/10

Gabriel Jesus: 7/10

One player from Man City who tried till the last whistle. Was unlucky with the handball decision overruling his assist to Laporte's goal. City would hope that Aguero is fully fit soon as Jesus lacked the composure to finish off the chances.

Featured Image Credits - si.com