Tottenham staged a thrilling comeback to secure a dramatic draw against Manchester City, with Dejan Kulusevski netting the equalizer in the 90th minute in a 3-3 showdown.
Despite City leading twice at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of Son Heung-min’s opening goal and an unfortunate own goal from the same player, the pendulum swung when Phil Foden concluded a splendid City move to put them ahead before halftime.
However, Giovani Lo Celso leveled the score in the 69th minute.
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Jack Grealish, subbed in for Jeremy Doku, seemed poised to be the hero, tapping in a close-range goal in the 81st minute.
Yet, in a surprising turn, Kulusevski connected with Brennan Johnson’s delivery from the left flank, heading the ball into the top left corner and prompting a celebration reminiscent of NBA legend LeBron James’ ‘Silencer.’ The goal marked the end of Tottenham’s three-game losing streak.
In a late-game twist, City had an opportunity to seal the victory during added time when Erling Haaland played Grealish through on a one-on-one with Guglielmo Vicario.
Haaland, who had recovered from a foul by Emerson Royal, delivered a superb lofted through ball over the Spurs back line.
Despite initially allowing play to continue, the referee inexplicably called it back to award City a free-kick, much to the dismay of City players who confronted the official.
Haaland expressed his discontent on social media immediately after the match in the dressing room.
After the game, Haaland remained incensed by the decision, engaging in a heated exchange with Lo Celso and requiring intervention to defuse the situation.
Adding to City’s woes, they will face the midweek clash against Aston Villa without key players Rodri and Grealish, both serving suspensions.
Meanwhile, Tottenham aims to return to the winning column as they host rivals West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Erling Haaland commenting on the incident on X expressed his disbelief in response to a video, succinctly stating, “WTF.”
His father Alfie also chimed in, describing the situation as “terrible.”
When questioned about referee Hooper’s decision, Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports, opted for a diplomatic response reminiscent of Mikel Arteta’s post-match outburst following Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle.
Guardiola evaded the issue, stating, “Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment.”
“It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on.”
“After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action.”
City currently holds the third position in the table, trailing leaders Arsenal by three points. Ange Postecoglou’s squad has surpassed Newcastle, climbing into fifth place.
