Man City blow two-goal lead in Tottenham draw to give Arsenal major advantage in title race

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 01/02/2026

- 18:58

Updated: 01/02/2026

- 19:03

Tottenham 2-2 Man City: Arsenal the big winners after a dramatic clash in north London

Dominic Solanke rescued Tottenham from what appeared to be certain defeat with a remarkable brace, including a spectacular "scorpion kick" equaliser that earned his side a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

The striker's moment of brilliance came when he instinctively flicked Conor Gallagher's cross over goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with his heel, the ball having arrived behind him.


It was an act of improvisation that seemed impossible when City had been utterly dominant at the interval.

The result deals a significant blow to Thomas Frank's side in the title race, leaving them six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Dominic Solanke scored a stunning scorpion kick goal against Manchester City

Dominic Solanke scored a stunning scorpion kick goal against Manchester City

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REUTERS

Rayan Cherki opened the scoring after being allowed to advance unchallenged through the Spurs defence, firing a low effort past Guglielmo Vicario.

The French midfielder nearly doubled his tally shortly after with a driving run and cross-shot that Vicario did well to turn wide.

City's second arrived just before the break when Radu Dragusin's wayward clearance fell to Rodri, who fed Bernardo Silva to set up Semenyo for a composed finish.

Home supporters made their displeasure clear as the teams left the pitch at half-time, but Spurs emerged transformed after the interval.

Donnarumma denied Destiny Udogie brilliantly before Solanke bundled in his first, sparking City protests over a possible foul on Marc Guehi.

Solanke reflected on the dramatic turnaround afterwards, revealing: "It was a game of two halves.

Rayan Cherki had put City ahead early on in the contest

Rayan Cherki had put City ahead early on in the contest

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REUTERS

"The first was difficult, couldn't get near them at times, but we've seen it a few times this season where the second half is a different story."

The forward acknowledged his side's improved display after the break, adding: "In the second half we were great.

"We grew with confidence and belief and could have even gone on to win it."

He conceded Spurs must address their slow starts, stating: "We know we need to start games quicker because the first half wasn't good enough, but the reaction was great."

Tottenham fought back from two goals down to earn themselves a point

Tottenham fought back from two goals down to earn themselves a point

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REUTERS

The result extends Tottenham's unbeaten run to four matches.

Semenyo admitted City's dressing room was filled with disappointment following the collapse, saying: "First half we played really well.

"The mentality was to do the same things again. Second half that didn't happen and they dominated. Everyone is visibly frustrated and we go again."

The forward struggled to explain how his side lost control, conceding the home crowd's energy shifted momentum.

Manchester City are now six points behind Arsenal

Manchester City are now six points behind Arsenal

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REUTERS

However, he insisted the championship battle remains open: "We've got more games, there are 14 games to go.

"We are six points behind, it's not the end. We have to keep going. Anything can happen."