There were two fascinating Premier Leagueclashes on offer today, and here is what went down in both.
Spurs hold on to claim City scalp
Tottenham1
Manchester City0
Scorers: Kane 15′
Tottenham’s hunt for the top-four got a massive boost with a gutsy victory over the champions.
City looked the better team from the off, but shot themselves in the foot on the fifteen minute mark.
After some sloppy play out of the back from the visitors led to a point-blank giveaway, Harry Kane stabbed home to snatch the lead for Spurs, and become the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer.
City looked to answer as the half rolled on, but struggled to penetrate the robust Tottenhamrearguard before the break.
Riyad Mahrez lashed his effort off of the cross-bar with nearly the last kick of the half, preserving Spurs’ lead.
The introduction of Kevin De Bruyne on the hour mark brought more impetus to the City attack, but the Blues struggled to find the final pass.
There was a twist in the tale in the final five minutes when Cristian Romero was sent off for his second yellow card on the night, leaving Spurs to fend off the City attack with ten men for the remainder of the game.
City’s numerical advantage would not give them the boost needed however, as the hosts held on to secure a vital three points.
Arsenal can breathe a sigh of relief after losing to Everton on Saturday, as their gap at the top remains five points, with a game in hand.
For Spurs however, the scrappy victory sees them move to within one point of the top four.
Forest move clear as Leeds worries grow
Nottingham Forest1
Leeds0
Scorers: Johnson 14′
A beauty from Brennan Johnson fired Nottingham Forest to a big win in the relegation picture and mire Leeds in serious trouble.
Keylor Navas endeared himself to his new fans early, pulling off a big save to deny Luis Sinisterra inside the opening two minutes and shortly afterwards, his new side hit the front.
It came via a sweetly-struck volley from Brennan Johnson who connected first time with a clearance on the edge of the area and sent his strike spinning into the bottom corner.
Sinisterra was then guilty of another big miss when, with Navas surely beaten, he blazed over from point-blank range after Wilfried Gnonto teed him up and the Italian was then denied by another fantastic low save from the in-form Navas.
After the break, Jesse Marsch’s side enjoyed plenty of possession but couldn’t convert it into meaningful chances as Forest held on for a big win in their bid to beat the drop.
The result sees them move six points clear of Everton in 18th, who are only behind Leeds on goal difference, with the Whites winless in the league for the past three months.
