Tottenham lose to City 1-0, undone by Laporte header in Carabao Cup Final

A true chess match, Tottenham contained a usually rampant City side but were undone by an 82nd minute close-range Laporte header to lose the Carabao Cup Final 1-0.

Moussa Sissoko, who came on to provide drive and power in the heart of midfield, lost Laporte on City’s corner, in the process costing Tottenham a chance at Carabao Cup glory.

The 1-0 result was a fair reflection of proceedings.

Actually, Tottenham were lucky not to lose by more. Overall collective superiority by Pep’s side shone through on the day. It’s City’s fourth successive Carabao Cup trophy.

Spurs gave it their all and cannot be faulted for a lack of effort, but just weren’t up to the formidable and daunting task of playing one of Europe’s best teams.

Spurs settled down nicely in the second half, making more use of their sporadic time on the ball. Kane and Son saw more of the ball, while Gio started to create from deeper in midfield. Overall City still bossed possession, but Tottenham at least looked like threatening.

Gio magnificently curled a left footed attempt which, if not for a strong save by Zackary Steffen, would have found its way into the bottom left corner.

Mahrez had the best effort of the second half, a swerving missile that was saved brilliantly by Hugo Lloris.

City’s first half dominance

Containment was the name of the game for Tottenham in a first half dominated by Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men pressed high, forcing Spurs to repeatedly concede possession in their own half.

You’ve got to give credit for the way City acquitted themselves to the final. Positive and direct in possession, City caused Tottenham’s rearguard all sorts of issues. Their dynamic interchanging distressed Eric Dier, Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilon, but Toby Alderweireld, for the most part, held firm. Spurs can thank the Belgian for going into the interval level.

Dier also blocked a Raheem Sterling goal-bound effort, ensuring Tottenham kept a first half clean sheet. However, the Englishman also coughed up possession in a precarious spot, providing City a golden chance to go ahead. Toby came to Dier’s aid, not only crossing out the first dangerous cross but also deflecting Phii Foden’s point-blank shot onto the post.

Son and Kane weren’t able to impact the match at all in the first half, such was the dominance City displayed. Spurs managed just 35 percent possession in the first stanza, a stat showcasing how lopsided it was.

Every attacking option at City’s disposal threatened Spurs goal, with Foden, Sterling and Riyad Mahrez all having excellent scoring opportunities.

Wrap up

So it’s another season without a trophy for Tottenham Hotspur. The drought will carry on to a 14th year.

While he all hoped for a better outcome, Spurs aren’t at the level needed to win silverware. Tottenham did their utmost to unsettle and unnerve City, but Pep Guardiola’s men are a clearly superior outfit.

That’s the difficult truth. Maybe in the following years that scenario will change. But for now, there are few silver linings to lift our collective spirit.

Let’s hope a miracle is in the offing for a top four spot. But realistically there is no sign Spurs are equipped for a final run at a Champions League berth.