Manchester City vs Tottenham analysis: Danny Rose's star turn overshadowed by controversial penalty call

Christian Eriksen provides the moment of the match and two substitutions turn the game on its head

Sunday 14 February 2016 14:55 EST
Comments
Tottenham Hotspur full-back Danny Rose
Tottenham Hotspur full-back Danny Rose (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Star man

Danny Rose. Put his body on the line in a fine defensive showing and offered Spurs a good outlet in attack.

Moment of the match

Christian Eriksen. Sent the Spurs supporters into dreamland with his late winner. It was a fine finish after a great run by substitute Erik Lamela.

There were obvious controversial elements to this victory but the Spurs fans behind the goal hardly seemed to care and they can now sense the excitement of a genuine title chase.

View from the bench

Both sides were set up well with a determination to attack but not without compromising their defensive solidity.

City welcomed back Vincent Kompany and he made a big difference while the whole of the Spurs back line were solid.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini may have been quietly fuming about the penalty but his decision to send on Kelechi Iheanacho worked perfectly. Unfortunately for him, Mauricio Pochettino's substitute Erik Lamela also took his chance, setting up the winner.

Moan of the match

It is a shame that the major talking point of a game of such magnitude should be a highly dubious penalty decision. Sterling seemed to have blocked Rose's cross legally but referee Mark Clattenburg felt the arm had been used.

Replays suggested this was not the case. Obviously Clattenburg did not have the benefit of a replay, but even if the ball had caught the back of the arm it is absurd to suggest this could have been deliberate.

Who's up next?

Chelsea v Manchester City
FA Cup Fifth Round, Sunday 21 February

Fiorentina v Tottenham
UEFA Europa League, Thursday 18 February

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in