by Cameron Gardner

In a clash of the titans affair on Wednesday night, Spurs defeat the odds by knocking out Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City of the Carabao Cup. The Sky Blues have won the competition 4 times in the past 7 seasons, whilst Ange Postecoglou’s side are searching for their first major trophy in nearly 17 years. Coming into the game, City were hot favourites to book their spot in the quarter final. However, the Lilywhites have won 6 of their last 8 meetings at home against City, who have faced significant struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The game kicked off with a bang, in an end to end first few minutes at very high intensity from the off from both sides. At the 5-minute mark, Timo Werner buried a strike into the top corner from close range, latching onto a low driven cross from Dejan Kulusevski on the counter attack. It’s a hugely needed goal for the German winger and his confidence, after fans started to give the player abuse for his poor finishing. 

Just 9 minutes after the goal though, star defender Micky Van de Ven pulled up with a nasty hamstring injury, which was a very premature end to his game. The defender exited the pitch in tears as he was replaced by young left back, Destiny Udogie.

There was a nervous energy amongst the home crowd after this injury, but that was cured by a Pape Matar Sarr wonder strike. The corner popped out of the box to the young Senegalese midfield, who beautifully curled it into the bottom right corner with the side of his foot. After this, arrived the anticipated Manchester City onslaught, with chances being created in abundance and shots flying in. Just on the stroke of half time, Matheus Nunes found the net with a close range volley, getting on the end of a Savinho cross. The whistle went mere seconds after, giving the Citizens all the momentum going into the second half.

Tottenham were prepared for a rampage in the second half, with the likes of Erling Haaland waiting on the Sky Blues’ bench. However, Pep Guardiola decided to bring on a lot of the academy players, as he has said before he doesn’t like to risk players for the Carabao Cup, a competition he has already won on five occasions. 

Furthermore, in the 63^rd minute, Savinho, City’s biggest threat on the night, went down injured and was replaced by youngster Jacob Wright. The game started to filter out, and the second half went by quite quietly, with no major moments for either team. Man City had a second string team on towards the end and Spurs were happy to defend the one goal lead.

The full time whistle went, with Spurs securing the 2-1 win and booking their place in the Carabao Cup quarter final. They will face Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December the 19^th.