Premier League: Manchester City back on top after tense win over Spurs

World
Europe

Phil Foden's first Premier League goal ensured Manchester City edge past Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday to return to the top of the Premier League and avenge their Champions League elimination by Mauricio Pochettino's side.

"It's my first Premier League goal so it will live with me forever," said 18-year-old Foden, who scored his side's sole goal through a diving header, admitted he was surprised to be given the chance to start such a vital game.

City completed their 10th successive league win to move one point clear with four games left and remain masters of their own fate in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the title race.

However, their joy was muted by another injury to Kevin De Bruyne, who went off late in the first half and will almost certainly miss the midweek trip to Manchester United.

City struck early when Foden headed home on five minutes after a clever ball back across goal from Sergio Aguero.

They struggled to assert themselves, however, against ever dangerous opponents who always looked capable of scoring with Son Heung-min twice free on goal and Christian Eriksen failing to make City pay.

The champions could have extended their lead in a fast-flowing game in which both keepers produced excellent saves, but there was to be no repeat of Wednesday's thriller which City won 4-3 but went out of Europe on goal difference.

Of De Bruyne, Guardiola said: "I don't know — he's played a lot of minutes without preparation. After the injury, they don't train properly to be able to take a game every three days."

Defeat may prove costly for third-placed Spurs who are struggling to hang on to their top-four place. Three points separate them from sixth-placed United, who have played one game fewer.

"It was an amazing game again," Pochettino said. "It was tough again. Both teams competed really well and I think we deserved more."

"I am happy, disappointed with the result but so happy with the performance — we were always in the game."

(Top image: Manchester City's Phil Foden runs with the ball during the club's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur in Manchester, UK, April 20, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Reuters