Guardiola explains momentum shift after Man City blow 2 goals lead against Spurs

Pep Guardiola has explained how a shift in momentum led Manchester City to surrender a two-goal lead in their 2–2 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified a key change in momentum as the decisive factor behind his side’s failure to hold on to a two-goal advantage in their 2–2 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

City looked firmly in control at halftime in North London after goals from Ryan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo handed the reigning champions a commanding lead.

However, Spurs responded strongly after the break, producing a spirited comeback capped by a second-half brace from one of their star players to deny City all three points.

What Guardiola said

Speaking after the match, Guardiola pointed to tactical and psychological shifts that altered the flow of the contest.

“They put more in the back, they found a goal, and after that the momentum happened. Some transitions the control they had we didn’t have. It was not a big issue,” Guardiola said.

The City boss suggested that once Tottenham pulled a goal back, the game swung in the hosts’ favour, with his side struggling to regain their earlier dominance in key moments.

Despite the dropped points, Guardiola played down concerns about City’s overall performance and their position in the title race. The draw leaves City six points behind league leaders Arsenal, but the Spaniard remains calm with plenty of matches still to play.

“We are playing at a high level. We didn’t have the consistency to win the games when others were able to do it. Fourteen games is a lot of games. Six points [gap to Arsenal]. Next one,” he said.

Manchester City will now turn their attention to their next fixture as they look to restore consistency and keep pressure on Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title.