Manchester City 4-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Erling Haaland scores, Riyad Mahrez gets double to complete stunning comeback win

Manchester City came from two goals down to see off Tottenham 4-2 and close the gap on leaders Arsenal in a Premier League classic at the Etihad.

Both sides were hoping to bounce back after respective derby defeats at the weekend, but it was Spurs who drew blood first with opening half goals by Dejan Kulusevski and Emerson Royal.

City responded immediately after the break through Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland before Riyad Mahrez completed the turnaround with a brace.

The first half had been a cagey affair with the first attempt on target not coming until the 36th minute when Son Heung-min’s tame header was saved by City goalkeeper Ederson.

City’s promising youngster Rico Lewis’ deflected effort from distance then forced Hugo Lloris into a fine save.

But the game sparked into life as Spurs grabbed two goals in two minutes on the stroke of half-time.

Ederson was left red faced when he tried to play the ball out to Rodri but he was quickly closed down by Rodrigo Bentancur, leaving Kulusevski with a simple finish.

Just two minutes of stoppage-time was played, but there was still time for Spurs to double their advantage when Ederson could only parry Harry Kane’s shot and Emerson was in position to head in the rebound.

City came flying out of the blocks at the restart and within eight minutes they had restored parity. Alvarez scrambled home following a cross from Mahrez to halve the deficit before Haaland levelled with a poacher’s header.

Ivan Perisic may have restored Spurs’ lead but his goal-bound shot was deflected onto the woodwork by the excellent Lewis.

It was fitting that Mahrez – at the centre of City’s first two goals – would complete the turnaround as he beat Lloris at his near post with an arrowed shot and scored another to make it four late on.

With the victory, City close the gap on Arsenal to five points although they have played a game more. Tottenham, however, remain five points adrift of the top-four.

Talking point – City came out on top in thriller

Trailing two goals at the break, City supporters voiced their dismay by booing their own players as they trudged off down the tunnel. And after receiving the hairdryer treatment by Guardiola, they emerged as a team transformed, turning on the style and completing a comeback in a dazzling 18-minute display. It served a reminder of not only City’s attacking threat but Spurs’ vulnerability in defence and their fragile mindset.

For the duration of the half-time break, Arsenal fans would have been rejoicing and embracing their most bitter rivals’ performance; by full-time they will have been cursing them. And, after a glance at the league table, they may well be left sweating with a home match against the in-form Manchester United to come this weekend.

Over the years, we have become accustomed to City pulling a remarkable string of wins together to help them to the league title – could tonight prove to be a turning point in their season?

Player of the match – Riyad Mahrez (Man City)

Took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half, playing a part in both goals before firing City in front and wrapping it up with his brace.

More to follow.