Pep Guardiola has promised that Manchester City will return as a dominant force in the Premier League after Erling Haaland’s goal secured a 1-0 victory against Tottenham on Wednesday.
Haaland’s composed 12th-minute strike boosted City’s push for a Champions League spot, lifting them into fourth place. However, battling for a top-four finish is a far cry from their recent dominance, having won four consecutive league titles under Guardiola.
With Liverpool seemingly set to claim this season’s title, City’s campaign has been underwhelming. They trail the leaders by 20 points and were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. The FA Cup remains their only shot at silverware.
Despite an ageing squad and inconsistencies, Guardiola is confident his team will rise again. “Never will be this season the old City,” he admitted. “Old City were too good, but we will be back.”
City impressed in the first half but squandered chances to extend their lead, then faced heavy pressure from Spurs after the break.
Tottenham, enduring a frustrating season of their own, are 13th and pinning hopes on Europa League success. Manager Ange Postecoglou admitted his side’s over-eagerness cost them early on. “We were too wasteful in the first half. Against City, that lets them get into a rhythm,” he said.
Spurs dominated the second half but couldn’t find an equaliser, extending their disappointing run. “It’s disappointing to lose again, but it did look more like us today,” Postecoglou added.
