Nathan Ake’s last-minute goal secured Manchester City’s initial win in six trips to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, earning them a spot in the FA Cup fifth round.
City appeared destined for a replay as they squandered numerous opportunities, but Nathan Ake’s late goal, their first at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after five consecutive defeats, changed the narrative. With just two minutes remaining, Ake capitalized on Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario’s failure to secure Kevin de Bruyne’s corner under pressure from Ruben Dias.
The goal dealt a harsh blow to Spurs, who had put up a resilient defensive effort. However, it was a deserved outcome for City, having been the superior side throughout the match despite missing several chances.
Prior to Ake’s decisive goal, City had seen an early Oscar Bobb strike ruled out for offside, and Vicario made a crucial save from Bernardo Silva. De Bruyne, typically clinical, was uncharacteristically inefficient with a golden opportunity following a mistake by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg that gifted possession to Phil Foden.
In a dramatic conclusion, just as a replay seemed imminent, Ake’s goal ignited exuberant celebrations among the 9,000 City fans who had traveled to north London.
Man City’s late show seals victory
Manchester City arrived at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just 70 minutes before kick-off, navigating heavy Friday night traffic in London. Despite the late arrival, they secured a deserved victory based on their overall performance.
Throughout the game, Spurs found themselves under constant pressure from Manchester City, with the latter dominating play. While Spurs held out admirably, it seemed they might force a replay. However, as is typical of Pep Guardiola’s side, they managed to produce a decisive moment, as evidenced in this match.
Nathan Ake’s goal, scored amid a near-post scramble and lacking the usual beauty associated with City’s goals, triggered jubilant scenes after the final whistle, with manager Guardiola notably animated.
The triumph is particularly significant for City, as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had been a venue of consistent disappointment for them until this FA Cup fourth-round encounter.
There’s a palpable sense that City is hitting peak form, with their early play exhibiting scintillating performances, embodying the formidable prowess that defines them at this stage of the season.
The imminent return of striker Erling Haaland is poised to further boost their confidence as they pursue success in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. For now, this victory is one that City will savor.
Spurs left frustrated as Maddison returns
Spurs would have been considered fortunate to secure a replay in a game where they played second fiddle. However, coming so close and ultimately exiting the FA Cup will undoubtedly leave manager Ange Postecoglou and his players grappling with genuine disappointment.
The half-time ceremony, featuring four members of the 1981 FA Cup-winning team—Osvaldo Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Graham Roberts, and Paul Miller—reliving the dramatic victory over Manchester City, did not set the stage for a repeat. The avenue for another Wembley trip was shut down by a formidable City side. Spurs’ failure to score marked the end of a 35-game streak without a blank, underscoring the impact of the absence of talismanic captain Son Heung-min, currently representing South Korea in the Asian Cup.
Despite Micky van de Ven’s outstanding defensive performance and Guglielmo Vicario’s secure goalkeeping, the latter’s inability to hold onto De Bruyne’s corner provided Nathan Ake with the opportunity to seize the moment. Spurs’ hopeful appeal for a foul by Dias on Vicario was in vain, as the decision to award the goal was deemed correct by the video assistant referee.
With attention now turning to maintaining their position among the Premier League’s frontrunners, currently lying fifth, the return of James Maddison as a substitute after his absence due to an ankle injury since November will undoubtedly provide a boost. Nevertheless, this defeat will undoubtedly sting for Spurs.