Erling Haaland scored twice to secure a 2-0 victory for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, bringing the Premier League champions within reach of an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
The Norwegian striker netted from a Kevin De Bruyne cross early in the second half and later converted a penalty to ensure the win.
Haaland’s opener, City’s first-ever league goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. De Bruyne delivered a precise cross, allowing Haaland to tap in from close range. He sealed the win in stoppage time with a confidently taken penalty after Pedro Porro fouled substitute Jeremy Doku.
This victory propels City two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table. A win against West Ham on Sunday at the Etihad will clinch the title for City, regardless of Arsenal’s outcome against Everton. No team in English top-flight history has won four consecutive titles, positioning City to make history.
Tottenham’s defeat also ensured Aston Villa secured the fourth Champions League spot, joining City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in Europe’s premier club competition next season. The build-up to the match was dominated by debate among Spurs fans about whether they preferred their team to lose to benefit City over local rivals Arsenal.
Both teams had early chances, with Ederson saving a powerful shot from Rodrigo Bentancur and Spurs’ goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario denying Phil Foden.
Despite City’s 21-match unbeaten run, the first half saw limited clear-cut opportunities, ending with just one shot on target each.
The second half began with increased intensity. Vicario made a full-length save from De Bruyne before Son Heung-min threatened at the other end. However, City’s breakthrough came when Bernardo Silva set up De Bruyne for the crucial assist to Haaland.
The match became scrappy with injuries to De Bruyne and Ederson, who was replaced by Stefan Ortega. Ortega quickly made vital saves, denying Dejan Kulusevski and Son.
In the final moments, Haaland’s penalty conversion cemented the win, taking his league tally to 27 goals for the season.
Pep Guardiola’s side, last year’s treble winners, now focus on Sunday’s decisive match, standing 90 minutes away from further cementing their place in football history.
