Tottenham Fans Should See Victory in 3-2 Defeat at Manchester City

Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli may have put in the game-winning penalty kick in the waning minutes of Sunday's match, but it was Tottenham—and their fans—who should go away feeling victorious.

In years past, Tottenham has struggled with many of the things that kept them in this game to begin with.

For one, they were away from home and playing at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. This stadium is so comfortable for City and so intimidating for opponents, that the Blues have a perfect 11-0-0 record at home.

To put it into perspective, Manchester City has collected more points (33) at home than 13 Premier League clubs have earned at home and away.

Also, by the 59th minute, Tottenham was playing two goals behind. Playing catch-up has rarely been something Harry Redknapp and company have been good at. But to answer as quickly and convincingly as the club did—with Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale scoring two goals in the 60th and 65 minute, respectively—is reason to cheer, regardless of the outcome.

Why?

Because unlike transfer players like Brad Friedel, Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael Van Der Vaart—players who have only been with the club a season or two—the men who were key to keeping Tottenham level were players who have been long-term fixtures for Tottenham. 

Bale has been with the club since 2007 and Defoe has been with the club since 2004. They may not be the most skilled players on the pitch, but they've earned the deepest support from White Hart Lane.

If not for a shot that went inches wide in the 92nd minute, Tottenham would have pocketed three points.

But it wasn't just offense that gives Tottenham supporters something to hang their hat on.

Manchester City, a team that is averaging 2.7 goals per match only got off four shots on target. The defensive back line of Ledley King, Younes Kaboul, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Walker showed they can keep the best in England at bay.

Kaboul again displayed great ability to intercept the ball, and Walker was as confident and composed as if he were playing a replay with League Two side Cheltenham Town.

If not for an unlucky foul by King (his only mistake all afternoon), it would have surely been a draw and only four points would have separated Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Instead, Tottenham fans are left with the feeling that their Spurs could have—no, should have—defeated the best team in the Premier League. 

At this point last season, there's no way anyone would have given Tottenham a chance against either team in Manchester. Now, they've shown they're one clumsy tackle away from drawing even with one of the best teams in the world.

That's why fans at White Hart Lane should still raise a pint and cheer, "Come on you Spurs!"