Manchester City will have to be wary of Tottenham Hotspur’s threat in the Champions League despite the absence of Harry Kane.
That’s the view of former City boss Stuart Pearce, who believes that Mauricio Pochettino’s side can advance to the semi-finals of the competition even without their talismanic striker.
Tottenham hold the advantage after the first leg after Son Heung-Min scored the only goal of the game, with Sergio Aguero seeing a first-half penalty saved by Hugo Lloris, but the victory came at a cost.
Kane hobbled off the field and was pictured after the game on crutches and wearing a protective boot, with Pochettino admitting that the England captain could be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
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However, Pearce believes Spurs still have the capacity to overcome City in the reverse tie next week and added that Kane’s absence could allow other players to shine.
"Losing your best players is always a blow and Pochettino's reaction to the challenge suggests it is a big blow for Tottenham," he told Sky Sports’ The Debate.
"But when Kane doesn't play it gives Son the licence to run behind and you always need someone to run behind like he does."
Pearce also played down the chances of City winning an unprecedented quadruple this season, admitting that he thinks Liverpool will emerge victorious in the Premier League.
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"The magnitude of every game for City at the moment, mentally it's draining and they have perhaps had a little dip this evening," Pearce added.
"They'll think they can turn this around in the second leg but every single game at the moment is a big one.
"They need to win every single game to win every trophy and it's a big pressure.
"Palace away won't be easy and I think Liverpool will win the title, with this weekend a big indicator to that."
City tackle Tottenham twice again over the course of the next 10 days, first in the second leg of the Champions League tie before clashing in the Premier League.
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