This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On a thrilling Saturday, August 17, 2019, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur settled for a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The match was a high-voltage encounter reminiscent of their Champions League quarter-final clash last season.
Manchester City's Raheem Sterling opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Kevin De Bruyne's early cross found him at the wide post. However, Tottenham responded quickly, with Erik Lamela equalizing for the north Londoners in the 23rd minute.
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola made a tactical switch by introducing Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri in midfield to duel with Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele, who were placed at the heart of the park by Mauricio Pochettino.
Just before the end of the first half, Sergio Aguero scored against one of the big six English clubs, restoring City's lead in the 35th minute. However, Lucas Moura equalized for Tottenham in the 56th minute after the north Londoners' pressure finally broke City's stubborn defence.
At stoppage time, VAR struck, cancelling out Gabriel Jesus's goal after Aymeric Laporte handled the ball, rendering the goal invalid due to the new handball rule.
The result places Manchester City third on the log with four points, while Tottenham are now fifth, also with four points, but separated by goal difference.
