Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City: Five talking points

Outgoing champions Manchester City responded to the relinquishing of their Premier League title by downing Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in a gritty encounter to solidify their position in the quest for a Champions League football next season.City hitman Sergio Aguero scored the decisive goal seconds before the half hour mark when the Argentine pounced on David Silva’s cross and rocketed the ball home with a sublime finish. The home side strained every cord in search of an equaliser but it never came.The Cityzens continued their dominion over the Lillywhites with the narrow win and extended their lead at the second position to 3 points, albiet with 2 games more than nearest rivals Arsenal. Here are 5 talking points from the game:

#1 Aguero makes the difference again

By now, Tottenham Hotspur are surely foaming in the mouth at the sight of Sergio Aguero. They have been a punching bag for the 26-year old in the last few games and the former Atletico Madrid striker was at it once again when he volleyed a shot straight into the top net to put his side in the front. This was his 22nd league of the season, two more than second best Harry Kane.

Aguero was the sharpest attacker on show, linking adroitly with his midfield teammates and showed top-quality movements off the ball as well. He also saw a dubious penalty turned down in the first half but continued to be a thorn in Spurs’ flesh throughout the game.

The Argentine was subbed off in the final minute of the game to a rapturous round of applause. City may have ended the season without any silverware, but atleast Aguero would have the Premier League Golden Boot to celebrate about.

#2 Lamela comes of age

Any doubts enveloping Erik Lamela’s future with the blue half of Manchester are certainly put to bed after this game as the 23-year old put in a great shift at the centre of the park and was the best player in the white for the evening.

Having endured a stop-start season with the Sky Blues this term, Lamela was the hero in the last fixture against Southampton when his (handed) goal helped the North Londoners snatch a point.

The Argentine worked tirelessly on and off the ball and even weighed in with some crucial contributions in the defensive half. His clever link-up play was the key in keeping the visitors from extending their advantage. His performance in the match corroborated manager Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to leave Andros Townsend on the bench.

Pochettino would be looking to strengthen his insecure midfield in the summer but if Erik Lamela shows up his A1 game in the remaining games, like he did last evening, his spot in the starting berth is safe.

#3 What\'s up with Fazio?

While Sergio Aguero had an amazing noon (like he always does against Spurs), his opposite number, Federico Fazio, was a dead beat. And this isn’t the first time this has happened. The Argentine cut a subduing figure against Southampton and Aston Villa, their last 2 games, where he let both Graziano Pelle and Chriatian Benteke rise above him to head past Hugo Lloris. This time it was Aguero’s turn to harrow the former Sevilla man and suffice to say, Kun did it in a humiliating fashion.

Fazio struggle to keep up with City’s pace and looked more like an oil tanker chasing a speedboat. He looked totally devooid of ideas and was often found in no man’s land. Fazio was seen giving away the ball too cheaply and his defensive positioning was just woeful. He even came close to giving away a penalty after clipping Aguero's heels in the box.

Fazio was the worst performer on the pitch and fellow defender Vertonghen deserves a better partner in the rearguard. Much better one.

#4 Hart saves City\'s bacon with a tremendous shift

Spurs gaffer Mauricio Pochettino appreciated City shot-stopper Joe Hart’s perforamance after the game and named him his man of the match. And the England international’s performance today totally justifies it.

He made several key saves throughout the course of the game and guarded his net from being invaded for the 12th time this season. His hand in the lone goal of the game is undeniable either. Hart provided the kick that sparked the counter-attack which ultimately culminated into the goal by Aguero. Hart denied Ryan Mason and Harry Kane one vs. one before stopping an Erik Lamela run late on.

The 28-year old has been one of the brightest sparks for City and in this game specially, was at his imperious best.

#5 Silva plays the unsung hero

While Aguero and Hart stole the limelight from this game, there was another player amongst the Sky Blues who was equally terrific and spared no effort in claiming all the 3 points from the game. That player was David Silva.

The Spaniard was searing in the attack and a rock at the back. He made 53 passes during the game with a 94% success rate and also assisted the opening goal. His constant run-ins were troublesome for Spurs and also provided crosses in the dangerous areas. Silva pulled the strings in the attack to great effect but was equally decisive in the defense.

The 29-year old was industrious in his defensive prowess too, making 4 tackles and gaining possession for a total of 6 times, and also nullified the home side’s attack to a considerable extent.

Silva’s performance in this game made a deposition that he is more than capable of stepping up to the plate and grind out a victory when needed.