Ange Postecoglou said ‘belief’ was behind the second-half performance from Spurs as the north Londoners twice came from behind to earn a 3-3 draw at Manchester City.
Dejan Kulusevski scored a late equaliser as Spurs held the Premier League champions at the Etihad, in an action-packed contest. Postecoglou’s depleted side took the lead early on through Son Heung-min, but the South Korean inadvertently levelled with an own goal just minutes later.
Phil Foden fired Manchester City in front for the first time, but Giovani Lo Celso’s crisp finish restored parity once more.
City looked to have won it when Jack Grealish turned in from Erling Haaland’s centre, yet Spurs showed spirit to respond once more. Brennan Johnson’s cross was hung to the back post, where Kulusevski powered over Nathan Ake to rescue the visitors a point.
There was controversy late on as referee Simon Hooper failed to play an advantage, calling the game back for a foul with Manchester City in on goal. Haaland, incensed, was held back by teammates at full-time before heading down the tunnel.
For Spurs, it represents a big result after travelling to face the champions without a recognised centre-back in the side.
“It was an entertaining game, plenty in it. We were lucky to be in it by half-time, City could have blown us away in that period, a bit similar to what happened to us against Villa last week,” Postecoglou said to Sky Sports.
“We hung in there, second half were a lot better, a lot more control and a lot more belief in the team. We got our reward for that which is great for the lads.”
“It has been there all year, the last few results have hidden that a little but we are at the bare bones a little bit,” the Australian added on the character his side showed.
“I have asked players to play in unfamiliar positions but we have still played some decent football. I think the character has been there all year but we certainly needed it today.
“City are an unbelievable team and there are times where you just have to hang on like we did today. We weren’t anywhere near the the level of our standards and City will do that to you, they are unbelievable.
“They put pressure on you and haven’t lost too many games here at the Etihad. Second half we had more belief in ourselves and the team we want to be and we clawed our way back into the game.”
