Erling Haaland marked his return from injury with a match-winning goal as Manchester City secured a vital 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening.
The Norwegian striker, who had missed City's previous two matches with a knee injury, netted after just 12 minutes to move Pep Guardiola's side back into the Premier League's top four.
City had to withstand significant second-half pressure from the hosts but held firm to bounce back from Sunday's defeat to Liverpool.
City dominated the opening exchanges, with Jeremy Doku proving a constant menace down the left flank.
Erling Haaland scored the only goal of the game against Tottenham
Reuters
The Belgian winger tormented Pedro Porro throughout the first half, using his pace and trickery to create numerous chances.
It was Doku's deflected cross that found Haaland unmarked for the decisive goal, with the striker calmly slotting into the bottom corner from close range.
Savinho should have doubled City's lead when Doku found him unmarked at the back post, but the Brazilian's shot bounced over the crossbar.
Haaland continued to get on the end of gilt-edged chances but couldn't extend City's advantage, showing signs of rustiness after his injury layoff.
City broke at speed from a Tottenham corner but Matheus Nunes failed to find Omar Marmoush who was left all alone at the back post.
Despite their dominance, the visitors entered half-time with just a slender one-goal lead.
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Tottenham rallied after the interval, shifting momentum in their favour as City's control waned.
Wilson Odobert had a good chance to equalise when Pedro Porro's cross found him at the far post, but he couldn't convert.
Mathys Tel scuffed a finish with only the goalkeeper to beat as Spurs continued to push forward.
The introductions of Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski from the bench further energised the hosts.
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Erling Haaland had been missing recently with injury
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Son was denied an equaliser by Ederson following a fast break, with the Brazilian goalkeeper making a crucial low save.
Ederson proved to be the difference-maker for City, making several fine stops to preserve their lead.
City's defensive pairing of Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov also impressed, with the young Uzbek delivering "a strong and stable showing at a ground where many a City defender has crumbled".
Pape Sarr had Tottenham's final chance deep into stoppage time but headed over from close range.
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Tottenham remain in the bottom half of the Premier League
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The victory moves City up to fourth in the Premier League table, whilst Spurs remain in 13th position.
Haaland's goal was his 20th in the Premier League this season, continuing his remarkable scoring record.
City will now turn their attention to Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Plymouth as they look to maintain momentum in both competitions.
