Reliving Tottenham Hotspur's Epic 3-3 Showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Last Season

Football is a sport where drama and unpredictability reign supreme, and last season’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at the Etihad epitomized just that. A game filled with goals, twists, and pulsating action ended in a 3-3 draw, leaving fans on both sides breathless. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to relive this unforgettable Premier League classic.

Manchester City, reigning champions and title contenders, came into the match brimming with confidence. Pep Guardiola’s side was on a mission to maintain their dominance at the Etihad, a fortress where they rarely dropped points. With Erling Haaland firing on all cylinders and Phil Foden returning to form, City seemed unstoppable. Tottenham, under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, were in a rebuilding phase but had shown flashes of brilliance. Though consistency was elusive, Spurs had proven they could go toe-to-toe with the league's elite. This was a chance for them to prove their mettle, and they seized it with both hands. 

A Blistering Start 

The match kicked off at a frenetic pace, and it didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin. In the 6th minute, Tottenham struck first. Son Heung-min, as sharp as ever, capitalized on a defensive lapse by City. Dejan Kulusevski threaded a perfectly weighted ball into the South Korean’s path, and Son, with ice in his veins, slotted the ball past Ederson. The Spurs fans erupted in celebration, their voices piercing the usually impenetrable Etihad roar. However, the joy was short-lived. Just three minutes later, disaster struck for Spurs in the most bizarre fashion. A City free-kick caused chaos in the box, and in an attempt to clear the danger, Son inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. From hero to unfortunate villain in the blink of an eye, the match was level at 1-1. 

City Take Control 

City began to impose their dominance, with Guardiola’s men controlling possession and dictating the tempo. In the 31st minute, their pressure paid off. A slick passing move saw Jeremy Doku release Julian Alvarez down the right. The Argentine star cut the ball back to Phil Foden, who arrived at the perfect moment to tap in the ball into an empty net. 2-1 to City, and the Etihad erupted. Tottenham looked rattled as City continued to press for a third before halftime, but Guglielmo Vicario pulled off a couple of vital saves to keep Spurs in the game. 

Tottenham’s Second-Half Revival 

The break proved to be a turning point for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou’s halftime team talk seemed to inject life into his side, and they returned to the pitch with renewed energy. Yves Bissouma and Maddison began to take control of midfield. In the 69th minute, Spurs found their equalizer. A sweeping counter-attack started with Ben Davies clearing the ball into Son’s path, who laid it off to Lo Celso. The Argentine midfielder, who only started due to an injury crisis, seized his moment in style. With space opening up at the edge of the box, the Argentine unleashed a curling rocket that bent past a sprawling Ederson and nestled into the bottom corner. The Etihad was stunned into silence. City fans watched in disbelief, while Spurs players erupted with renewed energy. Suddenly, Tottenham weren’t just level—they were surging with belief, ready to take control of the game.  

Late Drama Unfolds 

In the 81st minute, City restored their lead in typical Guardiola fashion—a meticulously crafted team goal. Haaland, who had been unusually quiet for most of the game, came alive in the box. Receiving a pass from Rodri, Haaland bulldozed his way into Tottenham’s box before delivering an inch-perfect cutback for Jack Grealish. The Englishman made no mistake, hammering the ball into the bottom corner. The Etihad erupted once again, and City seemed destined for victory at 3-2.  

Despite the setback, Spurs refused to give in. Postecoglou urged his players to press forward in the dying minutes, and Tottenham’s relentless spirit paid off in dramatic fashion. As the clock struck 90, Brennan Johnson picked up the ball near the halfway line and surged forward. With City’s defense scrambling, Johnson delivered a teasing cross to the back-post, where Dejan Kulusevski rose the highest to nod in a barely believable equalizer. It was Kulusevski’s third goal in as many games at the Etihad, earning him a special place in the hearts of Spurs fans. In fact, they cheekily started calling the stadium the “Dekihad” after his latest heroics. That last-gasp equalizer didn’t just stun Manchester City—it sent shockwaves rippling through the Etihad, leaving the home crowd in disbelief and the traveling Spurs supporters in absolute ecstasy. 

A Game for the Ages 

This thrilling encounter wasn’t just another game; it was a masterclass in football’s unpredictability. Tottenham’s grit and determination earned them a vital point, while City’s vulnerability reminded everyone that even the best can be caught off guard. For fans, this match was a perfect encapsulation of why the Premier League is the most-watched league in the world. It was a night to remember, and one that will be talked about for years to come. 

Also Read: 3 of the Most Memorable Clashes Between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in Recent Memory