Erling Haaland marked his comeback with a goal as Manchester City secured a 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, strengthening their bid for a top-four Premier League finish.

City took the lead in the 12th minute when Haaland converted Jeremy Doku’s low cross with a first-time finish into the bottom corner. The visitors dominated the first half, with Savinho missing a chance to double their advantage.

Spurs struggled to create openings, testing City goalkeeper Ederson for the first time just before half-time through Kevin Danso’s header.

Tottenham improved after the break, forcing Ederson into action as he denied Wilson Odobert’s deflected strike. Mathys Tel squandered a close-range opportunity, while substitute Pape Sarr sliced wide from a dangerous cut-back.

Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min were introduced from the bench, shifting the momentum in Spurs’ favour. Son came closest to an equaliser, but Ederson reacted quickly to block his effort.

Haaland thought he had secured a second goal in stoppage time, but the referee ruled that he handled the ball before scoring. Spurs had one final chance, but Sarr’s header went over.

City strengthen grip on top 4

The win lifts City to fourth in the table, while Spurs remain in 13th place.

"The game, it was open second half because we didn't close the first. In this stadium always they have 20 to 25 minutes and second half we suffered," City manager Pep Guardiola said.

"Never will [we be] the old City this season. Old City were too good, but we will be back."

Tottenham’s second-half response falls short

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou admitted his side struggled early but praised their response.

"In the second half we dominated in all the areas but missed a goal to get something out of the game," he told TNT Sports.

Despite the defeat, Tottenham’s late resurgence, along with the impending returns of Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Cristian Romero, could provide a boost for their season’s run-in.