Just when you think it can't get any worse for Manchester City, they go and fall on their face again.
With 13 games remaining, they sit 22 points off the top and the most recent bump in what has been a limp title defence came at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thanks largely to one man.
The Dutchman has the Spurs debut of his dreams, as just days after his arrival from PSV, he started, and marked the occasion with a sumptuous volley on his new side's way to a crucial home victory over the defending champions.
What a way to make your debut! Steven Bergwijn scores with his very first Premier League shot to help Tottenham defeat Manchester City 2-0. #UCL pic.twitter.com/V4Q1uXWliN
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 2, 2020
#thfc forward Steven Bergwijn: "It is unbelievable. It is a dream for me that has come true. It means everything to me. As a kid you want to be here, scoring in the Premier League." pic.twitter.com/XWzwED7iGq
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) February 2, 2020
Bergwijn is already 1/3 of the way their to matching Pepe's goal tally pic.twitter.com/Y6JVApIGg3
— Ali. (@UtdAlii) February 2, 2020
Though the game seemed destined for a 0-0 until the hour mark, the earlier moments of the game certainly weren't without drama drama. A couple of key decisions from referee Mike Dean and the trusty assistance of the VAR room gave us plenty of talking points, the first coming around the half-hour mark.
It had initially looked as if Serge Aurier's foul on Sergio Aguero would be overlooked, but after play had resumed for four minutes, it was pulled back, and given. Ilkay Gundogan saw the resulting spot-kick saved, and after Hugo Lloris looked to bring down Raheem Sterling in the aftermath, the technology this time ruled against the visitors.
City fans certainly had some opinions.
PENALTY SAVED Spurs 0-0 Man City (40 mins)
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 2, 2020
After consulting the VAR, referee Mike Dean awards a penalty for a foul on Aguero by Aurier. Gundogan's spot-kick is saved by Lloris#TOTMCI
About 3 minutes between Aurier's challenge on Aguero and the penalty being awarded. In fairness, while I don't think a decision should take that long, I do believe that allowing play to continue is better than stopping for those 3 minutes.
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) February 2, 2020
But what if Spurs score in that time?
Everyone blaming certain players in the team, it’s a team game and they were all shit apart from aguero who got took off, if we could score a penalty then it would be a different story. #TOTMCI
— J.B. (@Citizen_baker) February 2, 2020
Why Aguero did not take that penalty I will never know.
— Rose. (@RoseMCFC) February 2, 2020
#TOTMCI #COYS
— MAC. is The GREEK FREAK (@Mac_Insane) February 2, 2020
Aguero: Gundogan take the penalty Lloris is gonna save it if I take it...
Gundogan: Okay I will take it...
LLORIS SAVES THE PENALTY..
Aguero: pic.twitter.com/vJc45r8Y4I
It looked a touch soft...
Zinchenko had no fault in that sending off...that wasn't even a foul...his shoulder was the only part that made contact...that's just Mike Dean being hungry to show the red card as always
— Tagbo (@enebeli_collins) February 2, 2020
You can't be fucking serious if you blame Zinchenko for the red card. mahrez caused it!!!!
— Aguero Mädchen NAZA隆♀ (@1Joycityzen) February 2, 2020
Zinchenko shown red card for shoulder push, something's wrong with Mike Dean tonight #TOTMCI
— Shvm Kr (@shvm_kr) February 2, 2020
Spurs got the opener just moments later, and had killed the game off within ten. It was Son Heung-min who came up with the crucial second, sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures and making sure of what was a massive win.
It took a slight deflection off Fernandinho, but did Tottenham fans care? No. Not even slightly.
Where’s the son slander after his goal? pic.twitter.com/dbtXF3EzH9
— Jack (@JRG91802) February 2, 2020
⚽️ Heung-Min Son marks his 150th PL app with his 49th goal
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 2, 2020
Has scored 5 goals in all competitions v Man City, joint most in his Spurs career (with 5 other teams) pic.twitter.com/YUn02fVFBA
SONNNYYYYYYYYY I love you
— Barbara (@Alwaysblue888) February 2, 2020
It was Tottenham's second goal from as many shots on target. The smash and grab ones are the best anyway.
#TOTMCI Bergwijn Son Tottenham vs Manchester City Spurs
— How Football Saved Humans - Great Book to Read (@HowHumans) February 2, 2020
Spurs 2 shot on target and 2 goals
Pep to his players: pic.twitter.com/mNg2hdz4Qv
Mourinho smash and grab against Pep pic.twitter.com/KqmXh0hr7v
— ♛ (@parysitic) February 2, 2020
Mourinhoball 😁😂 pic.twitter.com/OrngMcsNCY
— Tottenham News (@Spurs_fl) February 2, 2020
All in all, it was a result that boosted Spurs' top four aspirations and lowered City's title chances further into the grave. An eventful afternoon's work.
When Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham was in 14th position. They are on their way to the fourth position. I am convinced Mourinho will find a way to get Tottenham to finish in the top four. Chelsea will go back to the Europa.
— Shina Sdeen (@shyhighner) February 2, 2020
Leicester. ❌
— Rebels ⚪ (@TheyCallMeEronz) February 2, 2020
Chelsea. ❌
Arsenal. ❌
Man Utd. ❌
Wolves. ❌
Tottenham. ✅
Of the teams chasing the top four, only Spurs have taken all three points this weekend.
What a result for Mourinho’s men!#TOTMCI
Premier League title from Manchester City to Liverpool, here we go! World record deal, total agreement! #Liverpool #transfers gbeng
— Fabrizio Romano (@SambaRole) February 2, 2020
Source : 90min