Manchester City have lost ground in the title race once again after Dominic Solanke spearheaded an improbable Tottenham comeback in the Premier League.
Rayan Cherki fired the visitors in front following a tepid start in north London, with Radu Dragusin inviting the in-form midfielder to shoot by not closing him down after Yves Bissouma was robbed of possession.
With the atmosphere eerily quiet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs failed to kick into gear for the rest of the first half and saw their deficit doubled through Antoine Semenyo, a goal that again stemmed from sloppy play.
Spurs were once again booed off the pitch by their own fans at half-time with Thomas Frank’s side looking on course for a fourth home defeat in six games across all competitions, but Solanke gave the hosts a way back into the game as he forced the ball over the line eight minutes after the restart.
Solanke then pulled out an sublime scorpion kick to level things for Spurs, a result they held onto for the remainder of the contest to deliver a huge favour to north London rivals Arsenal, who remain six points clear at the Premier League pinnacle.
Follow all the action from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our live blog below:
Tottenham vs Man City live
- Tottenham come back from the dead to hold Manchester City to a draw
- Pep Guardiola's side fail to keep up the pace with Arsenal with the gap at the top growing to six points
- 71' GOAL! Solanke scores stunning scorpion kick to level contest [TOT 2-2 MNC]
- 53' GOAL! Solanke forces it over the line to get Spurs back into the game [TOT 1-2 MNC]
- 45' GOAL! Semenyo doubles City's lead against lifeless Spurs [TOT 0-2 MNC]
- 11' GOAL! Cherki fires City in front after tepid start [TOT 0-1 MNC]
Tottenham deliver Arsenal huge title favour thanks to Solanke heroics
22:00 , Will Castle
Why was Romero replaced at half-time?
21:45 , Will CastleFans were left bewildered by the lack of Spurs captain Cristian Romero when the two sides re-emerged from the tunnel for the second half, with the hosts needing an improbable turnaround.
Thomas Frank has confirmed it was not injury but an illness that caused his replacement, telling BBC Sport: "He will be assessed, but he should be OK."
Frank: 'We are definitely still in the market'
21:30 , Will CastleThomas Frank has asserted that Tottenham are still in the transfer market ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.
"I have plenty of support,” he said. “We are definitely still in the market. We hit a little bit hard with injuries but let's see."
Why was Solanke's first goal not ruled out?
21:15 , Will CastleThe Premier League Match Centre explained the decision by deeming that Dominic Solanke had played the ball, accrediting the goal to the Spurs striker rather than ruling as a Marc Guehi own goal.
#TOTMCI – 53’
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) February 1, 2026
The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge by Solanke on Guéhi deemed not to be a foul as Solanke played the ball.
The goal accreditation panel has adjudged the goal to be a Solanke goal.
Support of Spurs fans 'means the world'
21:00 , Will Castle"It means not only to me but to the team and the players,” Frank told Sky Sports.
“We have seen two good performances. The Dortmund game and this second half. When we unite fans and players, we can create magic.
“That is what we need to keep pushing. It meant the world to me and to all of us."
Gallagher gives backing to Frank
20:45 , Will Castle"The manager has been amazing,” Gallagher told BBC Sport.
“He stays so positive even when he could easily not be. After the first half he was still positive and telling us where we can improve and not letting our head drop. he was great and changed tactical stuff which helped as well.”
Semenyo shows fighting spirit
20:30 , Will Castle"We've got more games, there are 14 games to go,” Semenyo told Sky Sports. “We are six points behind, it's not the end. We have to keep going.
"Anything can happen. 14 games to go, they might lose a couple of games and we might win. The dynamic changes and we have to see what happens."
Guardiola fumes over Tottenham's first goal
20:15 , Will CastlePep Guardiola was not a happy bunny when asked about whether he thought Marc Guehi was fouled in Tottenham’s first goal.
In his interview with Sky Sports, he persistently asked the reporter if he thought it was a foul and almost looked on the verge of storming off.
He also told BBC Sport: "Well, if you do it to a striker it would be a penalty. I'm not a referee. Fascinating in the Premier League."
Guardiola fumes over decision not to overturn Tottenham’s first goal
Dominic Solanke scorpion kick resurrects Tottenham as Man City suffer huge title blow
20:00 , Will CastleA rip-roaring second-half from Tottenham saw them fight back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and boost fierce rivals Arsenal’s title bid.
City looked set to cruise to another victory after first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo put Pep Guardiola’s men in control.
Spurs had been booed off at half-time, but a controversial 53rd-minute own-goal by Marc Guehi gave Thomas Frank’s misfiring team a lifeline before Dominic Solanke’s sensational back heel levelled the scores after 73 minutes.
There was still time for either team to find a winner, but the spoils were shared and Manchester City are now six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Solanke scorpion kick resurrects Tottenham as Man City suffer huge title blow
Redknapp: 'This is the title done now for Arsenal'
19:57 , Will Castle"This is the title done now for Arsenal" ✅
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 1, 2026
Jamie Redknapp says he'd be amazed if Arsenal don't win the league 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Co7uVxFiqM
Solanke on his scorpion kick
19:45 , Will Castle"It was a lovely goal to be fair,” he told Sky Sports. “I had to improvise a bit. It was great work from Conor.
"The ball was behind me a bit, but I love those finishes, trying to make something out of nothing. When it goes in, it's remarkable. I'll be watching that back a few times!"
Dom Solanke draws Spurs level with a SCORPION KICK! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0qIFpjhneP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 1, 2026
Neville: 'Arsenal are the real winners'
19:30 , Will Castle"What a bizarre game,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports commentary. "That will have taken a lot of pressure off Frank.
"But for City, it's another bad one. They have demonstrated their defensive vulnerability.
"Arsenal are the real winners."
'Heart in mouth' every time Man City concede counter-attacks
19:15 , Will Castle"Man City lost control,” Micah Richards told Sky Sports. “Whenever a team ups the tempo, they find it very difficult to deal with it.
"Every time Man City concede a counter-attack, I have my heart in my mouth."
'Spurs were despondent - but somehow they managed to turn it around'
19:00 , Will Castle"The Spurs dressing room at half-time must have been a dark and difficult place for everyone,” Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports. “Romero doesn't come out for the second half - he's your captain.
"The players were dispondent, there was no energy in the stadium, but somehow they managed to turn it around. It was incredible.
"Spurs have been battered by everybody. They showed tremendous character today and we don't say that very often. The second half was completely different.
"Is it something to build on? I have no idea, but Tottenham fans should just enjoy this what it is."
Solanke allays injury fears
18:52 , Will CastleDominic Solanke has allayed fears he has suffered a serious injury after limping off late into the draw with Manchester City.
“I’ll be good,” he said. “I rolled my ankle but I’ll be fine.”
Tottenham come back from dead to earn improbable draw with Man City
18:45 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:37 , Will CastleManchester City have lost ground in the title race once again after Dominic Solanke spearheaded an improbable Tottenham comeback in the Premier League.
Rayan Cherki fired the visitors in front following a tepid start in north London, with Radu Dragusin inviting the in-form midfielder to shoot by not closing him down after Yves Bissouma was robbed of possession.
With the atmosphere eerily quiet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs failed to kick into gear for the rest of the first half and saw their deficit doubled through Antoine Semenyo, a goal that again stemmed from sloppy play.
Spurs were once again booed off the pitch by their own fans at half-time with Thomas Frank’s side looking on course for a fourth home defeat in six games across all competitions, but a Marc Guehi own goal - forced by Solanke - gave the hosts a way back into the game.
Solanke then pulled out an sublime scorpion kick to level things for Spurs, a result they held onto for the remainder of the contest to deliver a huge favour to north London rivals Arsenal, who remain six points clear at the Premier League pinnacle.
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:30 , Will CastleWhat was unforeseeable at the break becomes reality. Tottenham earn an improbable point against Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side stumbling once again in the title race.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:29 , Will Castle90+9 mins: City have a free-kick deep in their own half. They hoof it forward hoping for a miracle but it runs out for a goal kick.
They won’t want to hear it, but Spurs are about to do Arsenal a massive favour.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:28 , Will Castle90+8 mins: Odobert is bundled over by Gonzalez, who enters the book.
Vicario is going to lump this forward.
90 seconds remaining for one final twist.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:27 , Will Castle90+7 mins: O’Reilly’s deflected delivery loops into the arms of Vicario.
It’s back to square one for City, who really need this winner.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:26 , Will Castle90+6 mins: Spurs have had most of the ball in stoppage time so far but City come forward with Semenyo, who runs into Sarr and wins a throw.
The eventual delivery is headed back by Haaland to nobody.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:23 , Will Castle90+2 mins: Rodri, on a yellow card, is very lucky not to have seen a second as he catches Gallagher very late, before pushing Odobert in the back moments later.
Guardiola has smell the danger and brought the Spaniard off in place of Marmoush.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:20 , Will Castle90+1 mins: NINE minutes added on. Either team could nick this.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:20 , Will Castle90 mins: Tottenham are level in this game thanks to the genius of Solanke - but their goalscorer has picked up a problem.
Solanke’s time at Spurs has been plagued with injuries and as he limps off in place of 17-year-old Byfield, Tottenham fans will be praying this isn’t another serious setback.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:18 , Will Castle88 mins: Haaland goes down feeling he was wrestled to the ground by Dragusin for a Man City corner, leading to a brief VAR check.
VAR rules that the significant contact came before the ball was in play.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:16 , Will Castle85 mins: CHANCE! And we go up the other end!
Simons wins the ball cleanly before darting into the box and firing a ball across for Odobert, who is making a great run in an effort to nip in front of Guehi.
The former Palace captain does just enough to shield the ball and prevent Odobert from firing in Tottenham’s third.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:14 , Will Castle84 mins: It’s another opening for City as Haaland heads it down for the on-rushing Reijnders, who dives in to head wide under the pressure of Gray.
He would’ve done very well to score with that, but it nevertheless goes down as a missed opportunity.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:12 , Will Castle82 mins: CHANCE! What an opportunity to retake the lead for City.
Silva’s free-kick goes all the way through to Guehi, but the defender just can’t get the ball out of his feet and after a passage of pinball, it’s scooped onto the roof of the net.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:10 , Will Castle80 mins: Half-chance for City to retake the lead as Reijnders leaps to head a dinked delivery but can’t get the direction on his effort. It dribbles wide.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:08 , Will Castle77 mins: Frank is not holding out for a draw here - he is urging his team forward.
As City try and play out from the back, there are six players in white forming the Spurs press.
Amazingly enough, there is life in this team.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
18:05 , Will Castle75 mins: This is absolutely astonishing. Spurs were completely dead at half-time and now they look like the ones who can win this.
Donnarumma has been forced into two great saves since the restart and City, who really need three points tonight, are up against it.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City (Solanke, 71')
18:00 , Will CastleIt’s genius from Dominic Solanke and Tottenham are LEVEL!
It’s something of a scorpion kick that loops over Donnarumma, and now the impetus is on City to come again.
Who saw this coming at half-time?!
Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
17:59 , Will Castle68 mins: Cherki looked like he would come off injured in the first half only to talk his manager around and stay on.
But after going down again, Cherki’s number is finally up. He is replaced by Reijnders, while Ait Nouri - who also picked up a knock - comes off for Gonzalez.
For Spurs, Bissouma has been replaced by Odobert while Kolo Muani is off for Tel. Attacking changes for the hosts.
Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
17:58 , Will Castle67 mins: There’s a bit umph in this game now, and the Spurs fans are finally a part of it!
Guehi is called upon to do some stellar defending as he tracks the run before making a brilliant challenge, but it’s passages like that which are getting the crowd going.
Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
17:54 , Will Castle64 mins: Optimistic penalty appeals from Kolo Muani after being ushered out of play by Nunes. He hasn’t got a penalty but Spurs do have a corner.
Meanwhile, Ait-Nouri is down after suffering a clash of knees. A sore one, but he looks OK to continue.
Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
17:53 , Will Castle63 mins: Guehi gets a half-chance to go from zero to hero as he latches onto Cherki’s corner, only for the Englishman to head wide.
Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City
17:49 , Will Castle59 mins: Spurs looked completely out of this but now, there is a universe where they can turn this around - and maybe save Thomas Frank’s job.
The other side of north London will be hoping so, anyway.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-2 Manchester City (Solanke, 53')
17:44 , Will CastleAnd Spurs capitalise on their newfound pressure!
Solanke looks like he’s played on by Ait-Nouri before turning Khusanov and getting a slice of fortune, with his messy finish actually seeing a touch off Guehi beat Donnarumma.
Suddenly, this Spurs team have life!
Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:41 , Will Castle51 mins: SAVE! That’s picked up the Spurs fans!
Simons slips it to Udogie in the box who forces a huge stop out of Donnarumma, reaching to tip over the Italian’s powerful shot.
Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:39 , Will Castle50 mins: Palhinha gets a chance to shoot from range as the ball bounces out to him, but as he tried to punch it into the corner, he gets under it and it flies over.
The Portuguese of course scored in the reverse fixture, but no such luck yet tonight.
Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:39 , Will Castle49 mins: A lot of Spurs fans have not returned from the concourses for the second half. There was a planned walkout later in this game, but it seems some supporters have lost patience.
BACK UNDERWAY! Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:36 , Will CastleThe teams are back out, and we are off again.
Frank has made a change, bringing on Sarr for his captain Romero. If that’s an injury, Spurs have been left very light at the back.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:27 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:26 , Will CastleManchester City have this game all but wrapped up at half-time with Tottenham lifeless and trailing by two.
Rayan Cherki fired the visitors in front following a tepid start in north London, with Radu Dragusin inviting the in-form midfielder to shoot by not closing him down after Yves Bissouma was robbed of possession.
With the atmosphere eerily quiet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs failed to kick into gear for the rest of the first half and saw their deficit doubled through Antoine Semenyo, a goal that again stemmed from sloppy play.
The lights have seemingly gone out for Thomas Frank. There is no real sense of hope among Tottenham fans.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:20 , Will CastleThe whistle blows and boos ring around. This is dire for Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:19 , Will Castle45+4 mins: He beats the wall but it runs all the way through to Donnarumma’s gloves. No real trouble.
Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City
17:18 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Tottenham look all but out of this after a lifeless first half, but Xavi Simons has a chance to at least dilute the boos with a free-kick on the edge of the area.
This will be the last action of the first half.
GOAL! Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City (Semenyo, 45')
17:15 , Will CastleIt’s just far too easy!
Spurs give the ball away and it allows City to come at them again, and within a couple passes, Semenyo has the goal at his mercy.
He fires past Vicario and doubles City’s lead - and this feels all but over.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
17:14 , Will Castle44 mins: Ait-Nouri doesn’t catch his effort right from the edge of the area as it loops high and wide of the goal.
“It’s a bit like Soccer Aid,” Gary Neville says on commentary. He’s not wrong.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
17:12 , Will Castle42 mins: Semenyo receives the ball on the left and looks for the cut-back as he approaches the box, but he plays it to nobody. That got a big cheer out of the Spurs faithful, maybe the biggest of the afternoon so far.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
17:11 , Will Castle40 mins: Simons gets into a similar position and this time does let fly, but his effort is blocked by a City body.
City are now just slowing down the tempo after Spurs showed signs of gaining some momentum.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
17:07 , Will Castle36 mins: There is just a lack of urgency from this Spurs side. They work it nicely going forward and it’s cut back for Simons to shoot, but the Dutchman just doesn’t pull the trigger.
That was a chance for the hosts, who are getting slightly better. Meanwhile, City are getting worse.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
17:03 , Will Castle32 mins: Manchester City are playing Tottenham off the park at the moment, but they get one glimmer of light as they dispossess the visitors in their own half.
Kolo Muani is slotted into the box before cutting it back, but it’s behind Simons.
Spurs don’t look great, but they could do with more sloppiness from the Cityzens.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:56 , Will Castle26 mins: Maybe not... Cherki has talked Guardiola around and the City boss has sat Reijnders back down.
That’s a blow to Tottenham. They could’ve done with him going off.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:55 , Will Castle25 mins: So close to a second goal one minute, down injured the next. Cherki is receiving treatment and is about to be replaced by Reijnders.
That’s a big blow.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:54 , Will Castle24 mins: SAVE! Rayan Cherki is having a lot of fun right now.
As City break forward, he goes on a dancing run into the Spurs box, beating one man and another before firing goalwards.
He’s denied by a huge stop by Vicario, but the referee doesn’t seem to notice the keeper’s quite significant touch. A goal kick is given.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:52 , Will Castle23 mins: It’s Xavi Simons... into the wall... and into Donnarumma’s gloves.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:52 , Will Castle22 mins: The card is now out, and it’s for a City player.
The visitors show complacency and are caught in possession outside their own box, with Khusanov then flying in on Gallagher to try and reclaim the ball.
He clamps the Englishman and concedes a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:50 , Will Castle21 mins: Kolo Muani is lucky to escape a booking as he goes through Rodri despite getting nowhere close to the ball.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:49 , Will Castle18 mins: CHANCE! City smell blood.
A long ball is latched onto by Haaland who controls the ball and tries to dink Vicario on the half-volley, but it lands on the roof of the net.
Guardiola has his head in his hands - he can’t believe his striker hasn’t put that away.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:48 , Will Castle16 mins: Bissouma has barely played this season due to injury, and he’s so far struggling to take his chance to stamp his mark on the team.
He gave away the ball for the opener and he keeps getting dispossessed in dangerous positions.
Slight concern for City as Cherki goes down writhing in pain, but he gets back up after treatment and is ready to continue.
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City
16:45 , Will Castle14 mins: This has been such a strange start to the game. The feeling inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of lifelessness - not the noise of 62,000.
It’s almost eerie. This could be a long afternoon for Spurs.
GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City (Cherki, 11')
16:42 , Will CastleJust like that, City lead!
Bissouma gets the ball pinched off him by Silva, allowing the visitors to drive forward as it’s played wide to Cherki.
The Frenchman isn’t closed down by Dragusin who doesn’t ask twice at the invite to shoot, driving into the far corner.
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City
16:40 , Will Castle10 mins: Tottenham have a free-kick deep in the City half. Let’s see if a set piece can light up what has been a very tepid start to this game.
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City
16:37 , Will Castle6 mins: Tottenham may be coming into this game off the back of sealing a top-eight finish in the Champions League, but to say fan spirit feels bruised is a bit of an understatement.
It’s tellingly quiet in N17.
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City
16:34 , Will Castle2 mins: SAVE! Semenyo’s last touch for Bournemouth was a goal against Tottenham and he already looks eager to inflict more damage on Frank’s side.
The winger breaks forward and drives into the box before forcing a sharp stop out of Vicario.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City
16:30 , Will CastleAnd we’re underway!
Here come the teams
16:28 , Will CastleThe teams are out under the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium lights!
A big, big 90 minutes coming up.
Closing in on kick-off
16:20 , Will CastleWe are T-minus 10 minutes away from kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!
Will Manchester City keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table, or will Pep Guardiola’s least favourite opponent haunt him again?
We’ll have all the action, up next!
Meanwhile, in Manchester...
16:11 , Will CastleIt was a humdinger of a game concerning the other Manchester club this afternoon.
The whistle has just gone at Old Trafford and Michael Carrick’s 100 percent record as interim boss is still in tact, thanks to a 94th-minute winner from Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovene’s heroics were required after Fulham came from two down to equalise, with Kevin’s 91st-minute stunner sending the travelling Cottagers into raptures, who would have assumed they’d done enough to salvage a point.
But it was Sesko to rescue, who snatched United’s third deep into added time to send the Red Devils back into the top four.
Flo Clifford is leading the reaction to that game below:
Man Utd vs Fulham live: Latest updates as fans hold protest outside Old Trafford
Tottenham vs Manchester City prediction: Haaland to punish Spurs
16:10 , Will CastleErling Haaland scored the only goal in this fixture last season and after he finally got back among the goals on Wednesday, it would be silly not to back him again.
His goal after just 10 minutes ended a five-game goalless run and was his first from open play in 10, and took his tally for the season to 40 goals in 48 games for club and country.
For City, he has 27 so far and just two fewer in the league than he managed in the whole of last season, with 20.
Betting sites are offering just 10/11 on him scoring at any time, but you can get 16/5 on him scoring two or more, which he has already done 12 times this season.
Read The Independent’s full prediction for Tottenham vs Manchester City below:
Tottenham vs Manchester City Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds
Atmosphere building in N17
16:05 , Will Castle
Why Arsenal need to follow Pep Guardiola’s example to end Premier League drought
16:00 , Chris McKennaArsenal’s win over Leeds was not so much about steadying the ship.
That is because it more felt like in recent weeks the door was ready to blow on an engine room full up with steam rather than the boat rocking such was the pressure building.
Their victory at Elland Road, a four-goal rout of the Premier League strugglers, put them back on course in the title race and eased fears they were starting to sink under the weight of apprehension which was building around North London after a three-game winless run gave Manchester City and Aston Villa more than a bit of hope.
Why Arsenal need to follow Pep Guardiola’s example to end Premier League drought
Head-to-head: Man City's bogey team?
15:50 , Will CastleManchester City may have been the Premier League’s formidable force of the past decade, but Tottenham have more often than not proved a serious stumbling block for Pep Guardiola.
Despite Thomas Frank’s maiden season struggles, his Spurs tenure got off to a pretty impressive start as he secured a 2-0 victory over City at the Etihad in August, with first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha sealing the win.
That was their second successive win at City after James Maddison scored twice last season to help the side to a 4-0 win.
In fact, Spurs have beaten City eight times since 2020, with the Lilywhites dealing Guardiola defeat more than any other opponent in his managerial career.
Thomas Frank on 'sacked' chants and fan unrest
15:40 , Will CastleThomas Frank has claimed he had no fears that he would lose his job after Tottenham succumbed to a home defeat to relegation-threatened West Ham earlier this month.
"No,” he responded when asked by Sky Sports if he had concerns for his job. |I would say it's not about me, but I understand how football works, of course. It's easier to only blame the head coach.
"I think the feeling we have is a very committed playing squad. It's a very committed staff. It's a very committed leadership at the top of the club, in Vinai (Venkatesham, Spurs chief executive) and Johan (Lange, Spurs sporting director).”
Spurs fans turned on the Dane after that match as they chanted for his sack, and Frank has admitted to taking notice of that.
He added: "Of course, that's hard. Of course it is. When you feel that you've played a game where you could have gotten more out of it, and you don't get it, that's tough.
"There's also a good study in English football culture because the whole end stand of Burnley was actually signing, 'You're getting sacked in the morning', from everyone, from 12-year-old kids to 25-year-olds to 70-year-olds. But that's the way it is. I understand that."
Erling Haaland tops Football Tax List
15:30 , Will CastleManchester City striker Erling Haaland has contributed nearly £17m in tax over the past year, placing him at the top of the Sunday Times Football Tax List.
The Norwegian forward, whose basic weekly salary is understood to be £500,000, also earned an additional £10m from image rights and bonus payments, according to The Times.
Haaland, 25, extended his contract with City last January, committing to the club until 2034.
Liverpool's Mo Salah followed closely, paying £14.5m in tax during the same period.
Erling Haaland tops Football Tax List ahead of Mo Salah and Man United star
Haaland leads the line for City
15:28 , Will CastleAfter being rested for last week’s win over Wolves, Erling Haaland is back in the team and leads the line against Tottenham.
Jeremy Doku is out injured meaning the Norwegian will be supported by Rayan Cherki and January recruit Antoine Semenyo, while fellow new signing Marc Guehi also starts.
Spurs forced into changes at the back
15:26 , Will CastleMicky van de Ven and Djed Spence miss out on the matchday squad due to injury, meaning Radu Dragusin starts at centre-back while Archie Gray looks set to play right-back.
Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke start up top together, with Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha seemingly forming a midfield three.
TEAM NEWS!
15:17 , Will CastleTottenham XI: Vicario; Gray, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Bissouma, Palhinha, Gallagher; Simons, Solanke, Kolo Muani.
Manchester City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Silva, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
Up the Spurs ✊
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 1, 2026
🔢 @krakenfx pic.twitter.com/FHVVfH9DEa
Your City side to face Spurs! 💪🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 1, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Bernardo (C), O’Reilly, Semenyo, Cherki, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Foden, McAidoo, Alleyne, Lewis
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/snDs2EqZux
Pep Guardiola and Man City are through to the last-16 – but they have Jose Mourinho to thank
15:00 , Richard JollyThe days when Pep Guardiola’s rivalry with Jose Mourinho was toxic are long gone. They may never clash again.
But for a few minutes, they were linked again. A grateful Guardiola, who cursed his old enemy in the past, said he would send the Portuguese a message to thank him. It was Mourinho’s Benfica who spared Manchester City a return ticket to the Champions League’s knockout play-offs.
Some of the cheers at the Etihad Stadium came long after the City players had left the pitch. They greeted Benfica’s fourth goal against Real Madrid; scored, improbably, by goalkeeper Antoliy Trubin. The 15-time European champions were down to nine men, condemned to ninth place by defeat.
Pep Guardiola and Man City are through to the last-16 – thanks to Jose Mourinho
Tottenham set to rival Inter Milan for ex-Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby
14:45 , Miguel DelaneyTottenham are exploring a move for former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby as they look to boost their attacking options before the January transfer deadline.
Spurs would be required to rival Serie A giants Inter Milan for the 26-year-old’s signature, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad following his July 2024 departure from Villa Park.
After 18 months in Jeddah, the Frenchman now open to returning to a Champions League club, criteria which Spurs and Inter currently fall under. Spurs are into the competition’s last 16 after sealing a top-eight finish in the league phase’s final matchday, while Inter were forced to settle for a place in the knockout play-offs.
Tottenham want to sign Diaby this window but will need to act fast to get a move over the line before the 2 February deadline, while Diaby is currently assessing his options.
Tottenham set to rival Inter Milan for ex-Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby
Bernardo Silva blends Manchester City past and present to raise one Pep Guardiola question
14:30 , Mike JonesIt might have been a scene from a training session over any of the seven seasons they were teammates. With a change of pace, Bernardo Silva darted past Ilkay Gundogan.
This time, it was on the Etihad Stadium pitch. Manchester City captains past and present are two of Pep Guardiola’s favourite ever players, a pair with the technical skills and footballing intellect to appeal to a manager who is both purist and theorist.
Silva’s blend of Manchester City past and present raises one Guardiola question
Nottingham Forest sign Manchester City’s forgotten goalkeeper
14:15 , Will CastleNottingham Forest have signed goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after agreeing a deal with Manchester City.
The German moves to the City Ground on a free transfer, though the transfer could net City £500,000 if clauses are triggered.
Ortega is set to be Forest’s back-up goalkeeper to Matz Sels after John Victor was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Stefan Ortega Moreno is a Red! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/v2USok0nHb
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 1, 2026
Jeremy Doku’s early exit against Galatasaray hits Man City with fresh injury blow
14:00 , Mike JonesManchester City were dealt a fresh injury blow as Jeremy Doku was forced off during their Champions League clash with Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium.
Doku had impressed during the first half in which City took a two goal lead over their Turkish opponents but with 10 minutes to go until the break he fell to the ground and had to be subbed off.
Jeremy Doku’s early exit against Galatasaray hits Man City with fresh injury blow
Is this boom or bust for Thomas Frank?
13:45 , Will CastleEven after delivering the club a top-eight finish in the Champions League last week, you have to feel Thomas Frank is still clinging onto to his Tottenham job by the skin of his teeth.
Spurs required last-gasp heroics from captain Cristian Romero to salvage a draw against relegation-threatened Burnley last week, coming a week after the club were beaten at home by relegation strugglers West Ham - their third home defeat in four games.
That loss coincided with the atmosphere turning hostile towards the Dane as supporters chanted for his sacking, and while back-to-back European wins have so far done enough to spare Frank his dismissal, another damning Premier League loss could prove the final straw for the Spurs hierarchy.
Pep Guardiola misses Man City press conference for ‘personal matter’
13:37 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola missed Manchester City’s press conference for personal reasons on Friday, a day after he spoke at a charity event in Barcelona in support of Palestinian children.
The City boss was due to hold a lunchtime press conference to preview Sunday’s Premier League game against Tottenham but assistant boss Pep Lijnders took his place.
Pep Guardiola misses Man City press conference for ‘personal matter’
Man City's early team news
13:30 , Mike JonesFor City, Jeremy Doku will likely miss this match after being forced off in the first half against Galatasaray, though the extent of his problem is not yet clear.
Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are the long-term absentees, though John Stones, Ruben Dias and Savio won’t be returning until later next month.
Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri; Cherki, Silva, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland.
Early team news for Tottenham
13:23 , Mike JonesThomas Frank’s main concern is the fitness of Micky van de Ven, who missed the game against Frankfurt and will face a late fitness test.
James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski are all sidelined for the foreseeable future for Spurs, and while Richarlison and Pedro Porro are nearing returns, they won’t be back until later in February.
Predicted Tottenham XI: Vicario; Spence, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Palhinha; Odobert, Sarr, Simons; Solanke.
How can I watch it?
13:15 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 4pm. Subscribers can also stream the action online via NOWTV.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
When is Tottenham vs Man City?
13:07 , Mike JonesThe match will take place on Sunday, 1 February at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off set for 4.30pm.
Tottenham vs Manchester City live
13:00 , Mike JonesTottenham Hotspur host Manchester City in the Premier League tonight, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to stay within touching distance of league leaders Arsenal this weekend.
Guardiola’s men are hoping for a big result against a struggling Spurs side ahead of matches against Liverpool and Newcastle in coming weeks.
While Spurs are currently languishing in 14th in the table, they have consistently been a bogey side for Guardiola over the course of his time in England, and while the visitors will head in as heavy favourites, Spurs’ 2-0 win in the reverse fixture proves that they are capable of denting City’s title hopes this afternoon.
Good afternoon!
Friday 30 January 2026 17:43 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of this afternoon’s Premier League.
Tottenham host Man City in the late kick off with both teams searching for three points but for vastly different reasons.
For Spurs, they hope to ease the pressure on manager Thomas Frank. The Dane has overseen a lacklustre campaign this year with Tottenham languishing in 14th but victory over City will prove they can shoot up the table with a run of good results.
City, meanwhile, are chasing down the league leaders Arsenal who come into the weekend with a four point lead.
