Edin Dzeko's late winner gave Manchester City a dramatic victory over Tottenham that keeps them in touch with leaders Manchester United and just two points off the top of the Premier League.
Spurs led through Steven Caulker's first-half header before Sergio Aguero drew City level.
Dzeko, so often City's hero this season, came off the bench to snatch the three points with two minutes to go.
The Bosnia striker detests the term "super-sub", claiming it does not show him enough respect, but he again showed his worth as a late replacement after coming on for Carlos Tevez.
Dzeko exchanged passes with David Silva before slamming an unstoppable shot past Brad Friedel - his sixth league goal of the season and his fifth as a substitute.
In total, his goals have helped City earn nine vital points in their pursuit of their neighbours United and Chelsea.
For long spells against Spurs, City's unbeaten start to the season looked under threat, not because of poor defending, but because of an inability to take the numerous chances that came their way.
Dzeko apart, the champions are finding it much harder to find the net than they did when hitting 93 goals on the way to winning last season's title. Because of that, even sporadic failings at the back are potentially far more costly.
That was the case here, as Spurs soaked up some early pressure then scored with their first serious effort on goal. And, just as in midweek against Ajax, it was a set-piece that was City's undoing.
Caulker met Tom Huddlestone's whipped free-kick and Joe Hart was unable to keep his header out. The England keeper will argue his defence should have dealt with the delivery better but will also be angry with himself for allowing the ball to bounce over his line.
Spurs led through Steven Caulker's first-half header before Sergio Aguero drew City level.
Dzeko, so often City's hero this season, came off the bench to snatch the three points with two minutes to go.
The Bosnia striker detests the term "super-sub", claiming it does not show him enough respect, but he again showed his worth as a late replacement after coming on for Carlos Tevez.
Dzeko exchanged passes with David Silva before slamming an unstoppable shot past Brad Friedel - his sixth league goal of the season and his fifth as a substitute.
In total, his goals have helped City earn nine vital points in their pursuit of their neighbours United and Chelsea.
For long spells against Spurs, City's unbeaten start to the season looked under threat, not because of poor defending, but because of an inability to take the numerous chances that came their way.
Dzeko apart, the champions are finding it much harder to find the net than they did when hitting 93 goals on the way to winning last season's title. Because of that, even sporadic failings at the back are potentially far more costly.
That was the case here, as Spurs soaked up some early pressure then scored with their first serious effort on goal. And, just as in midweek against Ajax, it was a set-piece that was City's undoing.
Caulker met Tom Huddlestone's whipped free-kick and Joe Hart was unable to keep his header out. The England keeper will argue his defence should have dealt with the delivery better but will also be angry with himself for allowing the ball to bounce over his line.
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