What happened...
City overcame a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-1 victory under the lights of White Hart Lane.
Goals from Javairo Dilrosun and Paolo Fernandes put the Blues in a commanding position after Spurs striker Ryan Loft was sent off while late penalty from Spurs’ Shiyon Harrison proved to be nothing more than consolation.
City settled into their familiar passing rhythm early and as Javairo Dilrosun latched on to Paolo Fernandes’ through ball and tucked it home to City an early lead, the Blues were in control.
Gentle sparring followed before a high tackle from Spurs striker Loft saw the youngster sent off and City one man up on their opponents.
In truth, Spurs reacted to the red card midway through the first half defiantly with Marcus Edwards forcing the best out of Billy O’Brien before Anthony Georgiou struck the bar with a thunderous drive.
City came back into it just before half-time and as right-back Demeaco Duhaney broke into the box he was hauled down.
Paolo Fernandes placed the ball down and picked his spot but Spurs ‘keeper Alfie Whiteman was equal to the low drive and City remained just one goal up at the break.
The Blues came out in determined mood and doubled their advantage inside ten minutes with a powerful left footed effort from Paolo Fernandes after excellent work to create space by Brahim Diaz.
A host of changes and City’s numerical advantage meant that Simon Davies’ side were at ease until a late foul on Spurs winger Georgiou gave Harrison the opportunity from the spot.
He beat O’Brien with his kick but City held on for a deserved three points.
What it means...
City have four wins, two draws and one loss in the Premier League 2.
City travel to Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League next Wednesday before a vist to Southampton on Monday 24 October. Visit the ticket office for information on how you can support our future.
Key moment...
A loose ball in the centre of the pitch is a rarity at this level and that probably explains Ryan Loft’s over eagerness in a challenge with Rodney Kongolo.
As the Spurs forward and City’s Dutch midfielder came together, Loft’s boot landed high on Kongolo’s leg and consigned him to an early bath.
Man of the match...
Cameron Humphreys – Although Spurs played much of the match a man down, they still threw plenty at City.
Humphreys remained a cool customer throughout. Composed on the ball and physical in the challenge, it’s likely that Spurs would have found more of a route to goal had Humphreys not been in the way.
How they lined up...
Captain Billy O’Brien remained in goal.
Demeaco Duhaney, Cameron Humphreys, Charlie Oliver and James Horsfield were the defence protecting O’Brien’s goal.
Sadou Diallo sat at the base of the midfield behind Rodney Kongolo and Paolo Fernandes while Javairo Dilrosun and Aaron Nemane flanked Brahim Diaz.
Substitutes: Grimshaw, Sarmiento, Wood, Davenport, Patching
Spurs XI: Whiteman, Walker-Peters, Muscatt, Amos, Walkes, Owens, Tracey, Pritchard, Loft, Edwards, Georgiou
