Tottenham vs Man City Stats
Tottenham vs Man City Stats: A Complete Head-to-Head Breakdown
If you love Premier League football, then you know there is something special about watching Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester City. This is not just any regular game. It is a clash of styles, a battle of tactics, and honestly, one of the most exciting fixtures on the calendar. I have watched these two teams go at it for years, and the numbers behind the matches are just as thrilling as the goals themselves. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just someone who loves a good stat, looking at the tottenham vs man city stats tells a story of drama, controversy, and world-class talent.
We just witnessed another classic chapter on February 1, 2026, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game ended in a stunning 2-2 draw, a result that left fans talking for days. It was a game of two halves, with City dominating early and Spurs fighting back. This article will break down everything you need to know about this rivalry. We will look at the history, the numbers, and what makes this matchup so unpredictable. By the time you finish reading, you will have a much deeper understanding of why tottenham vs man city stats often break the usual rules of football logic.
The Historic Head-to-Head Record
When you look back at the history between these two clubs, it is incredibly tight. Over decades of competition, the numbers show just how evenly matched they have been. Historically, Manchester City holds a very slim edge. Out of over 150 meetings across all competitions, City has won roughly 61 times, while Spurs have taken 60 victories, with the rest ending in draws. That is about as close as it gets in football. It is a rivalry that has ebbed and flowed, with each team having periods of dominance.
However, in the modern Premier League era, the dynamic gets even more interesting. Despite Manchester City’s domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola, they have often found Tottenham to be their kryptonite. If you dig into the tottenham vs man city stats from the last ten years, you will see that Spurs have consistently taken points off the champions. It does not matter if City is playing at the Etihad or traveling to North London; the games are always tight. This historical context makes every meeting feel like a cup final, and the players know that form often goes out the window when these two giants collide.
Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City: The February 2026 Instant Classic
Let us dive into the most recent chapter of this rivalry. The February 2026 match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Going into the game, Manchester City was looking to close the gap on the league leaders. They started like a house on fire. In the first half, they looked unstoppable. Rayan Cherki, the summer signing who has been a revelation, opened the scoring with a wonderful individual effort. Then, Antoine Semenyo doubled the lead, making it 2-0 before the halftime whistle. At that point, many fans thought the game was over. City was cruising, and Spurs looked shaky.
But as the saying goes, football is a game of two halves. Tottenham came out for the second half with renewed energy and belief. They pushed City back and were rewarded when Dominic Solanke pulled one back. Then came the moment of magic. Solanke scored again with an incredible scorpion kick to level the match. The stadium erupted. It was a goal that will be replayed for years. Looking at the tottenham vs man city stats for this specific game, the Expected Goals (xG) were almost identical—1.56 for Spurs and 1.58 for City. This proves that despite City’s early dominance, the draw was a fair reflection of the overall chances created.
Possession Battle: City’s Control vs. Spurs’ Efficiency
One of the most telling stats in any game involving Manchester City is possession. Pep Guardiola’s philosophy is based on controlling the ball, and the tottenham vs man city stats consistently reflect this. In the February 2026 clash, City enjoyed a massive 61% of the possession compared to Tottenham’s 39%. They completed 574 passes with a stunning 91% accuracy. This is typical City. They like to strangle the life out of the game by keeping the ball away from the opposition.
However, Tottenham’s approach under their manager is different. They are happy to sit back and hit on the counter-attack. While they had less of the ball, their passing was still sharp. They completed 370 passes at an 82% accuracy rate. This shows that Spurs are not just lumping the ball forward; they are waiting for the right moment to strike. The contrast in styles is what makes this fixture so captivating. It is a chess match between a team that wants to dominate possession and a team that is lethal when they have space to exploit.
Attacking Stats: Shots, Goals, and xG Analysis
When it comes to attacking output, the numbers are always fascinating. In the recent 2-2 draw, Manchester City actually took more shots than Tottenham. City had 15 attempts on goal, while Spurs managed 12. But here is where it gets tricky: shot accuracy. Tottenham put 6 of their 12 shots on target, forcing the City goalkeeper into action. In contrast, City only managed 3 shots on target from their 15 attempts. This tells us that Spurs were more clinical with their opportunities, especially in the second half.
The Expected Goals (xG) stat is a modern metric that helps us understand the quality of chances. As mentioned, the xG was virtually level. This is surprising given City’s dominance in possession. It suggests that while City had the ball, many of their shots were from difficult positions or were blocked. Tottenham, on the other hand, created high-quality chances even with limited possession. For neutrals, these tottenham vs man city stats are a dream—they suggest that no matter who has the ball, goals are always likely.
Defensive Solidity: Tackles, Fouls, and Cards
Defensively, this matchup is always a war. Midfield battles are intense, and defenders are tested to their limits by world-class attackers like Erling Haaland and Heung-min Son (in previous seasons). In the latest game, the defensive stats were very physical. Tottenham committed 15 fouls, while City committed 12. This shows Spurs’ intent to disrupt City’s rhythm, even if it meant giving away free kicks.
Discipline is also a key part of the tottenham vs man city stats. Interestingly, both teams received 3 yellow cards each in the February match. This is a testament to how competitive the game was. It wasn’t dirty, but it was fierce. Tackling stats also showed a high work rate, with both teams putting in over 20 successful tackles. Defensively, Manchester City’s Marc Guéhi had a massive game despite the result, winning 7 aerial duels and making numerous clearances. These defensive numbers prove that even in a high-scoring draw, the defenders are working overtime.
Detailed Match Stats Table: Tottenham vs Man City (Feb 2026)
| Statistic | Tottenham | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 2 | 2 |
| Possession | 39% | 61% |
| Total Shots | 12 | 15 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
| Shots Off Target | 1 | 8 |
| Blocked Shots | 5 | 4 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.56 | 1.58 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 1 | 4 |
| Total Passes | 370 | 574 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% | 91% |
| Corners | 3 | 4 |
| Fouls Committed | 15 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 2 |
| Successful Dribbles | 4 | 8 |
The “Kryptonite” Factor: Why Spurs Trouble City
There is a popular narrative among football pundits that Tottenham is Manchester City’s “kryptonite.” When you look at the tottenham vs man city stats, it is easy to see why. Despite City winning league titles and dominating most opponents, they have a surprisingly poor record at Tottenham’s home ground. Even when City travels to North London as heavy favorites, they often come away with disappointing results.
Why does this happen? A lot of it comes down to tactics. Tottenham often employs a mid-block, staying compact and denying City space in behind. They are also incredibly dangerous on the transition. In the August 2025 meeting at the Etihad, Spurs won 2-0, proving they can beat City on their own turf too. This mental block seems real. Players like Rayan Cherki have spoken about how facing Tottenham feels different. It is a psychological hurdle that City struggles to overcome, and it adds a layer of intrigue every single time these two meet.
Player Spotlight: Key Performers in the Rivalry
Individual brilliance often decides tight games, and this fixture has seen plenty of it. In the most recent match, Dominic Solanke was the hero for Tottenham. His two goals, especially the scorpion kick, rescued a point for his team. On the City side, summer signing Rayan Cherki continued to impress. His goal in the first half showed his class, and he remains one of the top creators in the league. Goalkeepers also play a huge role. Gianluigi Donnarumma for City made several stunning saves to keep his team in the game, proving why he is considered one of the best.
Looking at the historical head-to-head, legends like Harry Kane (formerly of Spurs) and Kevin De Bruyne have had massive impacts over the years. However, the current crop of players is writing new stories. For the neutral, watching the tottenham vs man city stats on individual battles—like Erling Haaland against the Spurs center-backs—is worth the price of admission alone. These are the moments that define careers and make this rivalry so special.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City is one of the Premier League’s greatest modern spectacles. As we have seen from the detailed tottenham vs man city stats, these matches are rarely dull. From the historic head-to-head record that is almost perfectly balanced, to the tactical chess match of possession versus counter-attacking football, there is always something to analyze. The recent 2-2 draw in February 2026 was just the latest example of the drama this fixture guarantees. With high xG, plenty of shots, and never-say-die attitudes, both teams leave everything on the pitch.
Whether you are a stats nerd or a casual fan, keeping an eye on these numbers enriches your understanding of the game. It is not just about who wins; it is about how they play. As we look forward to the next meeting, one thing is for sure: you will not want to miss it. Check the Premier League schedule, mark your calendars, and get ready for another chapter in this incredible story. Do you think City will finally crack the code, or will Spurs continue to be their kryptonite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!