Despite a string of setbacks, including missing key players and a recent losing streak, we Spurs stepped onto the grand stage at the Etihad Stadium with one goal in mind: to deliver an unforgettable performance. And boy, did we do just that!

Within a mere six minutes of the whistle, we took the lead in spectacular fashion. Guglielmo Vicario made a heroic save, and from their own set-piece, we orchestrated a move that even the tactical minds would admire. Bryan Gil’s pinpoint pass found our Ginger Swedish sensation, Kulusevski, who unleashed a cross-field rocket to Heung-Min Son. Son danced past the opposition and thundered the ball into the net, giving us the early advantage.

However, in football, as in life, the unexpected often unfolds. Just moments later, Son, our hero turned accidental villain, redirected a free-kick into our own net. It was an “oops” moment that had fans scratching their heads, was it going to be one of them days?

With City’s next attack, Erling Haaland managed to sidestep a golden opportunity. Somehow, from just eight yards out and unmarked, he spooned it wide of the mark. It was a miss that left us sighing in relief.

Despite being without the ball for significant stretches, when we did have possession in attacking areas, we looked every bit the threat. City, though, was the dominator in terms of possession and chances. They snatched the lead when Phil Foden calmly tucked one in from close range.

City’s relentless attacking continued, hitting the woodwork, with Haaland firing over from a promising position. Jeremy Doku, their lively winger, proved a persistent menace down their left flank. Yet, better final passes in our attacking third could have altered the narrative as we headed into halftime trailing by just one goal.

The second half kicked off with fireworks. Vicario pulled off a breathtaking save to deny Bernardo Silva’s curler, showcasing his shot-stopping prowess. We also had our moments, with Brennan Johnson’s effort finding Ederson after a swift end-to-end maneuver.

As the game wore on, we began to assert ourselves, capitalizing on City’s slightly relaxed pace. Ben Davies showcased his defensive prowess, pinching the ball from Haaland. The ball found its way to Son, who set up Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentine midfielder curled in a magnificent shot with his left foot, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 69th minute.

From there, it was a seesaw of chances. The game hung in the balance, with both sides crafting opportunities. But, in the 81st minute, City retook the lead, as Yves Bissouma was dispossessed in our half (what even what he doing!), and Grealish tucked one in.

However, Spurs are made of stern stuff. In the 90th minute, Brennan Johnson, with the precision of an archer, delivered a pinpoint cross. Kulusevski, our ginger legend, soared above Nathan Ake and nodded the ball beneath the crossbar, sending our away fans into meltdown.

The closing moments were tense, with City throwing everything forward, finishing up with Haarland bursting into tears after the ref pulled play back, prevent Grealish from missing a one on one.

In team news, we made one change from our lineup against Aston Villa, with Bissouma returning from suspension in place of the injured Rodrigo Bentancur (Dirty Villa!).

Plus, a special mention to Academy youngster Jamie Donley, who made his senior debut in the closing moments, capping off a memorable day.

For all those numpty pundits starting to turn on the gaffer, this one was for you!