Dejan Kulusevski will get the praise but Tottenham had a clear unsung hero against Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur delivered an intense and determined performance on Wednesday night, securing a Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City.
Both managers, Ange Postecoglou and Pep Guardiola, made adjustments to their starting lineups, yet Tottenham emerged victorious, earning a well-deserved spot in the quarterfinals.
The win sets up an exciting matchup with Manchester United in the next round. Tottenham’s speed and control impressed Guardiola, showcasing the depth of Postecoglou’s squad.
One standout from the night was Dejan Kulusevski, who continued his impressive form with two assists and earned the Player of the Match award. His contributions on the field were vital, as he consistently applied pressure on City’s defense and played a central role in Tottenham’s strategy.
However, another Tottenham player quietly put on a performance that deserves recognition: Rodrigo Bentancur. His solid presence throughout the game underscored why he is a valuable asset to the team.
Postecoglou’s decision to adjust his midfield lineup proved effective, as Pape Matar Sarr’s goal visibly stunned Manchester City’s bench, including star Erling Haaland.
Though Sarr exited at halftime, Bentancur stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, displaying resilience and tactical awareness. His statistics reflect a commanding performance: Bentancur had 41 touches, completed 22 out of 24 passes, won five out of eight ground duels, made six clearances, completed two interceptions, and executed five tackles.
Such numbers demonstrate his essential role in controlling the midfield and providing stability to Tottenham’s defense.
Tottenham has managed just two clean sheets in the Premier League this season, often leaving the defense exposed due to Postecoglou’s aggressive, attacking style.
Despite the risks, Postecoglou expressed satisfaction with Bentancur’s contributions, though his performance has received limited media coverage. The Uruguayan midfielder’s consistency is proving invaluable to Tottenham’s ability to compete against top teams.
Pep Guardiola, recognizing Tottenham’s prowess, has acknowledged the skill and strength of the Spurs midfield, especially noting Kulusevski and Bentancur’s abilities.
Over recent seasons, Tottenham has managed to hold their ground against Guardiola’s Manchester City, earning praise from the City manager.
During their last encounter in the 2022-23 season, Guardiola remarked on Tottenham’s impressive versatility, highlighting players like Kulusevski, Son Heung-min, and Bentancur for their tactical movement and seamless switches between offense and defense. This adaptability, according to Guardiola, makes Tottenham a formidable opponent in each match.
Kulusevski, primarily a winger, displayed his potential in a central role on Wednesday night, strengthening Tottenham’s midfield options.
His performance reflected improved skill and composure, complementing Bentancur’s own contributions. As a pair, they formed a dynamic partnership that challenged City’s usually dominant midfield.
With Tottenham’s upcoming match against Aston Villa, Kulusevski and Bentancur’s chemistry will likely continue to influence Postecoglou’s tactical choices, making it increasingly difficult to overlook the combination that delivered results against City.
While Postecoglou frequently adjusts his midfield trio to match the needs of each game, Wednesday’s lineup demonstrated balance and effectiveness. The synergy between Bentancur, Kulusevski, and Sarr was evident, and it would be logical for Postecoglou to consider retaining this combination.
As Tottenham faces a demanding schedule, this midfield setup could offer stability and creativity, helping the team navigate both the Carabao Cup and their Premier League aspirations.
Overall, Tottenham’s victory over Manchester City showcased the team’s depth, tactical flexibility, and resilience. The contributions of players like Kulusevski and Bentancur highlight the value of strong midfield partnerships in executing Postecoglou’s vision for the club.
Their performance reinforces Tottenham’s potential to contend in both domestic league play and cup competitions, as they continue to build momentum heading into the later stages of the season.
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