Manchester City 4-3 Tottenham – McNulty’s chaotic classics

Fernando Llorente celebrates Tottenham’s winner against Manchester City

Phil McNulty, chief football writer

Champions League quarter-final, 17 April 2019

Tottenham had a 1-0 lead from the first leg of this Champions League quarter-final and five goals inside the first 21 minutes of the return at Etihad Stadium was chaos personified.

Raheem Sterling put City ahead but Son Heung-min responded twice for Spurs. Bernardo Silva and Sterling again gave Pep Guardiola’s side the lead at half-time and there was barely time to catch breath.

Sergio Aguero made it 4-2 to City before the hour but just when it looked like Spurs were done, substitute Fernando Llorente bundled in from a corner.

The real drama was saved for stoppage time when Sterling scored again to spark mayhem inside Etihad Stadium, Guardiola firing off into a sprint as opposite number Mauricio Pochettino slumped to the ground.

City were through – or at least they thought they were.

A VAR check ruled that Aguero was in an offside position as Bernardo Silva diverted the ball into his path.

It was now Guardiola’s turn to slump as Spurs celebrated. They were through to the Champions League semi-final on away goals.

Find out which other games Phil chose here