Tottenham v. Manchester City: Match to Remember

Tottenham and Manchester City put on a show. This easily became the match of the year. It had everything. It was a high scoring affair with dramatic twists and turns including two very important VAR reviews. Millions around the world tuned in to check out two of the EPL’s best clubs. Manchester City, notable for its massive financial backing, was unable to reach the semi-finals in the Champions League. Tottenham, a smaller club that was lacking their star player, Harry Kane, was able to pull off the upset on aggregate.
Although they lost 4-3, they were able to advance on aggregate due to their away goals. The Spurs proved that even without the finances of a bigger club like City, anything is possible.
Two unlikely clubs advanced to the Champions League semi-finals. Few expected Ajax and Tottenham to make it this far. The combined revenue between the two clubs doesn’t even reach half of the two squads in the other semi-final, FC Barcelona and Liverpool. Both of these teams are considered underdogs.
Many would conclude their success is akin to that of Leceister City’s wondrous campaign to capture the EPL title a few years back. Smaller clubs are not supposed to be able to compete with the giants like Juventus and Machester City. Yet, here they are.
Son Heung-Min was easily the hero of Tottenham. Many expected the club to lack the offensive fortitude without their leader, Kane, but Son definitely stepped up. The Korean International is one of the most creative players in the EPL and he helped to keep up with City in the first half.
This match also had the instrumental use of VAR. VAR has yet to be implemented in all football leagues but has helped this match avoid controversy. A late goal by City was correctly overturned and the reactions of each manager were clear to see. Both Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino applauded the other side’s efforts in their historic match.
Although at times Pochettino has been criticized by Spurs fans, he showed his merit as a manager on the club’s biggest stage.