Late Edin Dzeko strike give Manchester City a win over Tottenham

By Sian Cowper | 11 Nov 2012 15:25, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:04

A late strike from Edin Dzeko gave Manchester City all three points against Tottenham Hotspur in an action-packed game at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

Manchester City had more of the ball in the opening half, but rarely troubled Spurs keeper Brad Friedel.

Steven Caulker gave Tottenham the lead, heading in a Tom Huddlestone free kick for a challenge on Aaron Lennon by Sergio Aguero.

William Gallas was lucky not to concede a penalty just minutes after Caulker's goal, when it appeared he handled the ball in the box.

City appealed for the spot kick but referee Michael Oliver turned them down, although replays showed Gallas did control the ball with his arm.

The champions started the second half brightly, pushing for an equaliser early on.

Carlos Tevez was angered when the assistant referee flagged him offside for the second time in ten minutes as he tried to get a shot away.

Spurs first chance of the second half fell to Gareth Bale, who tried a strike from distance but put the ball well wide of Joe Hart's goal.

City's equaliser came in the 66th minute, Yaya Toure finding Aguero inside the box to give the Argentinian an easy shot at goal.

Former City striker Emmanuel Adebayor drew a cheer from the crowd when he was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Pablo Zabaleta.

While Man City had the better of the chances throughout the second half, both sides were pushing for the winner in the final minutes of the game.

Friedel was called on to make a number of crucial saves to keep Spurs in the game, but the London side's defence gave David Silva too much room, allowing him to set Dzeko up for the winning goal.

The Premier League champions remain the only undefeated side in the league.