Player Ratings: Manchester City 4-2 Tottenham (Premier League)

Following two gut-wrenching defeats in their previous two matches, Manchester City needed a big display in their home encounter with Tottenham to get back on track.

With the Blues 0-2 down at half-time, it looked like they were heading for more dismay, but an incredible second-half turnaround saw them triumph.

It had been a first-half of ebbs and flows, but a terrible Ederson ball-playing error handed possession to Dejan Kulusevski, who gave the visitors the lead in the 45 minute.

To make matters worse for Pep Guardiola’s men, Tottenham added another just moments later, as Ederson palmed a cross from Harry Kane directly onto the head of Emerson Royal.

Manchester City needed a quick response at the start of the second-half, and they got it. A scramble in the Spurs penalty area ended with Julián Álvarez knocking the ball into the top corner, and starting the fightback.

It wasn’t long before Manchester City were back on level terms. Riyad Mahrez nodded Rodri’s delivery across the box, and Erling Haaland was on hand to nod the Blues level – and City weren’t done there. 10 minutes later, Mahrez got in on the scoring act himself. Shown on the outside, the Algerian drove at the byline before firing past Hugo Lloris at the near post.

It was nervy after that, but Manchester City rode it out and eventually found the decisive fourth. A long ball from Ederson – reminiscent of his pass for Ilkay Gündogan in the 3-0 win over the same opponents in 2021 – allowed Mahrez to double his money and send the Etihad wild.

Here’s how we rated the players in Manchester City’s comeback victory over Spurs!

Starting XI

Ederson – 4

Not often you’ll see a rating this low in a defeat, but it could have been a very different tale for Manchester City without the comeback after Ederson’s errors for both Spurs goals.

Rico Lewis – 8

The fact that this kid is 18 years-old still blows our minds. His composure on the ball and level of vigour were some of the only positives from the first half.

John Stones – 7.5

Not at fault for any of the goals, and his usual classy self in possession.

Manuel Akanji – 5.5

Got to grips with Harry Kane eventually, but had been given the runaround for much of the game.

Nathan Aké – 8

Full of so much running, determination and poise.

Riyad Mahrez – 9 (MOTM)

Barely involved in the first half, match-winner in the second. Riyad Mahrez dragged Manchester City, kicking and screaming, from the verge of defeat to an incredible victory with his vital two goals and an assist.

Rodri – 7

His first and second halves were like night and day. Poor on both goals, he took the game by the scruff of the neck after the break.

Ilkay Gündogan – 8

One of the few players who was strong in both halves. Took up really intelligent positions and escaped pressure constantly.

Jack Grealish – 8.5

Constantly amazing how much Grealish can influence a game without scoring or assisting. Carried the ball so far and so often, was always a possession outlet and knew when to slow the game down or speed it up.

Julián Álvarez – 8

Dropped deep to good effect on several occasions, and took his goal smartly. A fine snapshot of his talents.

Erling Haaland – 7

Missed a couple of chances which you could describe as sitters by his standards, but raised his game as the match went along and nabbed the equaliser.

Substitutes

Bernardo Silva – 6

Provided a little bit of steel and defensive presence.

Ruben Dias – N/A