Manchester City vs. Tottenham: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Manchester City beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon's early kick-off—but the scoreline barely tells the story of a game that featured significant contributions from both teams.
Spurs missed the chance to take the lead themselves, before Christian Eriksen had to cancel out Sergio Aguero's opener. The Argentinian forward then went on to score all four in the match for his side, while both teams also missed penalties.
We've taken a deep look at the main issues and performers in the match, to bring to you our winners and losers.
Winner: Sergio Aguero
1 of 5
We have to start with not only the big goalscorer, but the best all-round player on the park.
Far from looking like a player who struggles with injury, Aguero was the sharpest attacker on show, combined brilliantly with his midfield team-mates and showed all the top-quality movement and finishing skills which mark him out as one of the world's best.
"I am not just saying this because he scored four goals today, but I think Kun is one of the best three or four strikers in the world," Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said, per MCFC.co.uk. "…He won’t score four every game but he will demonstrate why everyone says he is one of the best players in the world."
Aguero scored all four goals for the Sky Blues—two from the spot and two brilliant, low finishes—while he even missed another effort from the penalty spot. The Argentinian was unstoppable and put Spurs to the sword over the 90 minutes.
Loser: Younes Kaboul
2 of 5
While Aguero was showing all his class and ability on the ball and off of it, centre-back Younes Kaboul had an awful time of things trying to shut him down.
The French defender simply had no answer, getting his body shape all wrong when closing the forward down as he tried to overcompensate for Aguero's movement and then attempting to make blocks with the wrong foot as a result.
He didn't stick close enough to his man, got absolutely caned when he stood off to allow the striker to shoot and, to top it all off, gave away one of the penalties with a reckless lunging tackle that tripped David Silva.
Winners: Both Goalkeepers
3 of 5
Four penalties taken, two saved, and four goals conceded altogether—but both Hugo Lloris and Joe Hart can be satisfied that they contributed plenty to their teams' performances on the day.
The home keeper had to be at his best to stop Ryan Mason early on at 0-0 and made multiple blocks and dives after the break to keep City one goal ahead as Spurs looked for a second equaliser. At the other end, Lloris was in top form to deny Aguero and Jesus Navas several times over.
Both were excellent and could do little about the goals put past them.
Loser: Debutant Fazio
4 of 5
Kaboul wasn't the only Spurs player to have a bad day at the office. Argentinian centre-back Federico Fazio was making his Premier League full debut—a tough ask to feature on that occasion against Aguero and co.
He was initially strong and covered well across the back line, but when City started to attack in earnest, with plenty of movement across the front line, it was clear that he lacked an understanding with the rest of his defensive team-mates.
Worse was to come when he pulled down Aguero in the box to concede another penalty...and a red card duly followed. A debut to forget, all told.
Winners: James Milner and Ryan Mason
5 of 5
We'll finish up with two lesser-heralded names from the match, but both of whom deserve recognition: midfielders James Milner from City and Ryan Mason from Spurs.
The former showed his usual work rate and endeavour, but also an awful lot of quality and ability to find end product on the break, with the fast transition play from City constantly causing Spurs problems.
Mason was one of the most involved players in the first hour or so as Spurs not only contributed to the game, but also looked likely to take something from the match. He didn't look out of place at all and could even have opened the scoring with a great run early on.
