Manchester City 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1: Match Report

Manchester City came from a goal behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the Premier League's early kick-off on 11 November, maintaining the pressure on their city rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table.

City controlled most of the game's possession, but went behind after 21 minutes of the first half, showing once again what is fast becoming characteristic poor defending from a Tottenham free kick. Tom Huddlestone's delivery from the right into the City box sat up beautiful for Steven Caulker, who headed down. City keeper Joe Hart got a hand to it, but succeeded only in parrying the ball into his own net.

City huffed and puffed for the remainder of the first half, and could have had at least one penalty if referee Michael Oliver had been in a more generous mood.

The second half was a tale of City substitutions. Brazilian full-back Maicon came on for City, replacing young central defender Nastasic, as the home team started to play an attacking formation with a back three.

Within minutes, Tottenham keeper Brad Friedel was forced into a couple of good saves as City started to make use of the extra width provided by Maicon. On 66 minutes, Sergio Aguero broke free in the Spurs area, turning the defence inside out before placing a left-foot shot inside Friedel's far post.

Then, on 74 minutes, on came Edin Dzeko for the home side, replacing the busy but ultimately ineffective Carlos Tevez. Less than a quarter of an hour later, the returning David Silva, back from a long injury lay-off, floated a ball into the Tottenham box. Dzeko swivelled and launched it into the roof of the net with his left foot.

City's Bosnian striker may not like the label of super-sub, but he's going to find it difficult to shake off if he keeps scoring goals like this.

It was touch and go for a while, and they are certainly not playing like champions, but Manchester City are still unbeaten in the Premier League this year. If City do find their form, Chelsea and United will have plenty to worry about at the top of the table.