TOTTENHAM – MANCHESTER CITY 0–1
Roy Keane believes the Norwegian superstar could have decided the match between Tottenham and Manchester City much earlier. The United legend was harsh in his judgement: the guests were too poor in front of goal for large parts of the match.
Just before full-time, City finally managed to secure victory, with Nathan Aké as the goalscorer. It was the light blues’ first goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It took six games before they finally got the ball in the goal on the dreaded away field.
It eventually ended 0–1 to Pep Guardiola’s men.
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Cancellation for Bobb
Despite Erling Braut Haaland’s absence, there was still much to enjoy from Norwegian eyes on Friday night. Oscar Bobb came close to securing a dream opening for Manchester City after just over five minutes. The Norwegian youngster placed the ball between the posts from close range, but the scoring ended in a narrow cancellation after a VAR check.
– It’s tight, it takes a long time. Will he get his first goal in the FA Cup?, asked Viaplay commentator Kasper Wikestad.
– Oh, oh, oh. Three shoe sizes smaller and it would have been onside, added Lars Tjærnås after the decision had been made.
City got off to the best start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the home team eventually caught up with the light blues.
– They have pushed hard and intensely for so long, it is almost impossible to do it for long periods, said Tjærnås.
Towards the break, Bobb tried again to get the long-awaited score, but was unsuccessful.
Also read: Guardiola with Haaland update: – Turned out to be a small breach
Missed Haaland
Tottenham had so far defended well in the match, but several pointed out that there was a lack of attack for City. Former football star Roy Keane was clear in his speech on ITV.
– Manchester City end up in good positions and then it’s just about the last pass. It is easy to think “imagine if Haaland was up there”, but he is not. You have to be critical of City, when it comes to controlling the game and building up it has been very, very good, but the end product has not been there. There has been sloppiness in the decisions, on the run and the last pass, Keane said along the way.
As you know, Erling Braut Haaland has been out with an injury for a while. Now he is on the road to recovery, but the game on Friday came too early for the Norwegian star.
Read also: Sour United message from Guardiola: – Congratulations
Got “approved” by the experts
After the break, the light blue attacked immediately and Bobb was involved in a great chance early in the second half. Even then it was not to be successful for City.
– How it’s not a goal, you can ask yourself, exclaimed Tjærnås after Bobb placed the ball at the feet of Julián Álvarez, who messed up the opportunity.
After 65 minutes, the Norwegian was replaced.
– Definitely an approved match. He was very good in the first 25-30 minutes especially. He can be satisfied, said Tjærnås.
“A Curse”
With barely twenty minutes left of regular time, James Maddison came on for Tottenham. That after a longer injury break. The 27-year-old was met with great applause from the home fans as he entered the pitch.
As the clock ticked towards full time, the teams were intently chasing the decisive score. Kevin De Bruyne had a great chance, but the 32-year-old’s attempt ended up inches wide.
– Now I almost believe that there is a curse and a ghost over Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Manchester City. It’s almost so I didn’t believe it was true, when that ball hit the advertising signs behind the goal, Viaplay’s experts thought.
In the 88th minute, the goal City had been chasing all game finally arrived. Nathan Aké provided the team’s first ever goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In the end, it thus ended 0–1 to the guests from Manchester, who are further in the FA Cup.