Tottenham Hotspur sealed their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals with a spirited 2–1 victory over Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 30 October 2024.
Softfootball has gathered, first-half strikes from Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr gave Spurs the platform they needed, and despite a response from Matheus Nunes deep into stoppage time, City were unable to turn the contest around.
The match began at a frantic pace, with Tottenham immediately looking to exploit space behind City’s defensive line. Their intent paid off within five minutes. Dejan Kulusevski surged down the right flank and delivered a precise low cross into the box, where Timo Werner arrived sharply to guide the ball past Stefan Ortega for the opening goal.
The early breakthrough energised the Spurs crowd and forced City onto the back foot far sooner than Pep Guardiola would have expected.
After the opener, City attempted to wrestle back control, pushing Bernardo Silva, Foden, and Nunes higher up the pitch, but Tottenham continued to press effectively. Their aggression was rewarded again in the 25th minute when Kulusevski, once more instrumental, slipped the ball into the path of Pape Matar Sarr.
The Senegalese midfielder took a composed touch before firing a low strike beyond Ortega to double the lead. Moments earlier, Sarr had been booked for a late challenge, but he made amends in emphatic fashion.
City, though shaken, grew into the game and began applying more consistent pressure. Phil Foden tested Guglielmo Vicario twice, while Haaland was closely marshalled by Cristian Romero and Radu Drăgușin. Tottenham were forced into an early change when Micky van de Ven was replaced by Destiny Udogie in the 14th minute, but the defensive reshuffle held firm.
Just as the half appeared to be ending with Spurs in complete control, City found a lifeline. Deep into added time, Savinho drove into space on the right and cut a clever ball into the box for Matheus Nunes, who struck clinically in the 45+4th minute to pull the visitors back into contention. The goal shifted the momentum heading into the break, giving Guardiola’s side renewed belief.
Manchester City emerged for the second half with three immediate substitutions—Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, and Bernardo Silva entering the fray as Guardiola sought to spark a comeback. Tottenham responded by introducing Yves Bissouma, who made his presence felt with a quick yellow card in the 53rd minute but added much-needed midfield steel.
City dominated possession throughout the half, finishing the match with 67% and 16 total shots, yet they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Spurs defended with commitment, throwing bodies in front of attempts from Haaland and Silva, while Vicario remained alert to smother City’s more dangerous openings.
Tottenham made attacking adjustments of their own, bringing on Richarlison and teenage talent Mikey Moore to stretch the tiring City back line. Brennan Johnson and Werner departed to applause, having caused constant problems with their pace.
Guardiola handed minutes to several academy players as City chased an equaliser—Jacob Wright replaced Savinho, and late on, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey entered for Nathan Aké in an attempt to add energy on the flanks. But while City kept the hosts pinned deep in the final stages, Tottenham held their shape superbly.
Archie Gray earned a late yellow card as Spurs absorbed sustained pressure, but the home side saw the match out with composure. Despite City completing nearly twice as many passes and controlling territory for long periods, it was Tottenham’s early ruthlessness and disciplined defending that proved decisive.
The victory sends Tottenham into the EFL Cup quarter-finals, continuing an impressive cup run under Thomas Frank. Manchester City, meanwhile, exit the competition earlier than usual, turning their focus back to the Premier League and European commitments.
