Although Spurs’ shape made it difficult, Man City did not do enough to find a way to outmanoeuvre the press on yet another Champions League night when Pep Guardiola could be accused of overthinking.

His desperation to win the competition has seen the Catalan make unusual tactical decisions in the latter stages and, on Tuesday, City were more defensive than at any point this season – a situation best captured in Guardiola’s decision to pick Ilkay Gundogan over Kevin De Bruyne.

City had beaten Spurs three times in a row, scoring seven in two games before a 1-0 win in October that could have been five or six, and yet Guardiola appeared scared on Tuesday, using two deeper midfielders in an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 while instructing both full-backs to stay deep.

Together, these features allowed Spurs’ high block to work, since City had fewer options for creating space; David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and Raheem Sterling were trapped behind the Spurs midfield.

What’s more, playing Riyad Mahrez only further narrowed the pitch and allowed Spurs’ left-back Danny Rose to dominate that flank.

Starting De Bruyne and playing their usual attacking game would have given City a tactical and psychological advantage, penning Spurs back with their superior individual quality. Instead, Guardiola’s nervous hesitancy infected his players.

Credits: Uefa.com