Manchester City dismantle Tottenham to earn 16th straight win
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Updated 16/12/2017 at 20:01 GMT
Premier League, Etihad Stadium – Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 14’, De Bruyne 70’, Sterling 80’ 90’) Tottenham 1 (Eriksen 90+3’)
Manchester City celebrate
Image credit: Getty Images
Manchester City moved 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they registered a 16th straight win with a thumping 4-1 success over Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
A first-half header from Ilkay Gundogan - in for the in-form David Silva - and an emphatic drive from the magnificent Kevin De Bruyne put the hosts firmly in control before a late brace from Raheem Sterling added gloss to the victory.
Christian Eriksen hit a stoppage-time consolation as Spurs fell to seventh on an evening to forget for the Lilywhites.
It could have been even worse for Mauricio Pochettino as his wretched run away to the 'big six' stretched to just one win in 18 matches. Substitute Gabriel Jesus hit the post with a penalty and Sterling missed two gilt-edged chances, but it proved to be of little consequence as Pep Guardiola's side put pressure on second-placed Manchester United ahead of their trip to West Brom on Sunday.
TALKING POINT
City's strength shines through amidst moments of refereeing inconsistency. The absence of David Silva due to 'personal reasons' had Fantasy Football managers cursing and undoubtedly gave Spurs a big lift heading into the contest. Cue Gundogan to come in and seamlessly fill the void. In attack and midfield City have an embarrassment of riches, while Guardiola has already made clear his intention to add to his options in defence in the January window.
Many will talk of referee Craig Pawson failing to award the hosts a first-half spot kick for a similar push to the one that saw him give Everton a penalty in the Merseyside derby, while potential red card challenges from Nicolas Otamendi, Dele Alli and Harry Kane resulted in just cautions - but in the end City's quality was what stood out as another potential rival came up well short. The title isn't handed out in December, but it's hard to see this side giving up such a vast advantage from here.
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Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH
Kevin De Bruyne (Man City): The creative spark in the City team and a tireless worker. Took his goal well and pulled the strings with sublime vision and a delightful range of passing.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester City: Ederson 7, Walker 7, Otamendi 7, Mangala 7, Delph 7, De Bruyne 9, Fernandinho 8, Gundogan 8, Sane 8, Sterling 7, Aguero 6. Subs: Jesus 6, Foden n/a, B Silva n/a.
Tottenham: Lloris 6, Trippier 5, Dier 5, Vertonghen 5, Rose 5, Dembele 6, Winks 5, Eriksen 6, Alli 5, Son 5, Kane 6. Subs: Lamela 5, Sissoko n/a, Davies n/a.
Tottenham: Lloris 6, Trippier 5, Dier 5, Vertonghen 5, Rose 5, Dembele 6, Winks 5, Eriksen 6, Alli 5, Son 5, Kane 6. Subs: Lamela 5, Sissoko n/a, Davies n/a.
KEY MOMENTS
14' - GOAL! Man City 1-0 Tottenham. Gundogan is left completely unmarked to thump a header firmly into the net from Sane's left-wing corner
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Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium
Image credit: Getty Images
21' - PENALTY SHOUT! Rose gives Mangala a blatant push attempting to defend a high ball into the box. Craig Pawson isn't interested, but it's fair to say the Spurs left back is fortunate to get away with that.
70' - GOAL! Man City 2-0 Tottenham. De Bruyne finishes off a flowing City counter attack with a thunderous drive from the right side of the area.
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Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 16, 2017
Image credit: Getty Images
76' - MAN CITY PENALTY MISS! Jesus strikes his spot kick against the foot of Lloris' right-hand post and Sterling smashes the follow-up over.
80' - GOAL! Man City 3-0 Tottenham. Sterling taps home Sane's ball across the six-yard box after wonderful play on the counter by De Bruyne and Gundogan.
90' - GOAL! Man City 4-0 Tottenham. Sterling gets his second of the game as he takes advantage of a defensive error from Dier to touch it through Lloris legs before rolling into an empty net.
90+3' - GOAL! Man City 4-1 Tottenham. Eriksen grabs a consolation for Spurs with a fine run and shot from the edge of the box.
KEY STAT
Raheem Sterling has now scored more goals (15) in all competitions this season than any other Manchester City player.
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