Signing off 👋

 That feels like an appropriate place to bid you farewell for the night.

Another hugely impressive win - and one which forms the very foundations of title winning campaigns.

And just to recap:

🔹 Seven points clear at the top of the table.

🔹 16 successive wins in all competitions.

🔹 Eleven straight wins in the league.

🔹 23 games unbeaten in all competitions.

🔹 Nine league games in a row won since the start of the year, equaling the best record in English top-flight history.

Not too shabby!

Don't forget you can the highlights from today on our website from 9.15pm tonight and a full-match replay for CITY+ subscribers from midnight

Next up for us is a Premier League trip to Everton on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 20.15pm (UK) and you can follow all the action here in our Matchday Centre on mancity.com, so hopefully you can join us.

As always many thanks for your company.

See you then.

Love is all you need!... 💙

The boss on Ilkay's overall form

Pep Guardiola:

"I said many times he can play as a false nine and the people laugh at me.

"Today it was a clear action to win the penalty and then the two goals. He is so good in those terms. I am delighted for his performance. He won the player of the month award for January and he still keeps playing this way. In February he could win it again."

The boss on Ilkay's injury

"We will see tomorrow. He told me it was tight. He is intelligent to say it but we will see tomorrow."

Pep's verdict...

Pep on penalties

"The quality of the shot, Eddie is the best but a penalty is different. I am delighted for Rodri, for the courage to take it. I have to reflect. Champions League is coming, Everton, quarter final of FA Cup, and we don't have a real specialist to take a penalty, that is the reality."

Rodrigo's post-match admission!

The Enforcer!

'I ignored Ederson's advice!'

More from Rodrigo:

"I grabbed the ball and no one took it from me and fortunately I scored. The win is the most important.

"Goalkeepers know each other, Ederson told me some points about Lloris, I didn't listen! I was confident in shooting in the way I did.

"We were laughing in the locker room, next penalty for sure I am going to take."

Rodrigo's full-time verdict...

"It is not easy to beat this type of teams. Tottenham are so strong all game but we are so happy with the victory and the three points.

"I was a bit angry the last weeks because we missed many penalties, much more than we expected and big games you have to score penalties.

Man of the moment!!

Here's our full time verdict...

Rhapsody in Blue 💙

David Clayton's full-time verdict:

“That was so impressive. So many of our players are in top form and we’ve made a very good side look really ordinary.

"To keep Son and Kane quiet for 90 minutes is no mean feat, but apart form the Kane free-kick, they didn’t get a sniff.

"Sixteen wins on the bounce – if only everyone could be hear to give them the standing ovation they deserve.”

Another record equalled!!

Full time

Sweet sixteen!

Sixteen wins on the bounce, 11 straight league wins, seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and two more goals for Ilkay Gundogan with Rodrigo netting a penalty.

Job done!

Extra, extra

Three minutes of added time. 

Praise indeed

Off the line!!

Lloris dives to deny Raheem Sterling, his outstretched leg stopping the ball on the line after some dazzling approach work by Foden.

Raz won't come much closer to a goal than that.

Shut that door

Five minutes plus injury time away from another Premier League clean sheet too.

The hunger games...

So much to admire again from City, not least the desire and energy.

There's an insatiable hunger about our work that all the very best teams possess.

That momentum is just infectious and a joy to witness

Great save

Ederson really earned his Spurs there (pun intended) to deny Bale.

The Spurs sub shimmied his way through two challenge before letting fly from 18 yards and the keeper dived to produce a superb save.

Sweet sixteen on the cards

David Clayton at the Etihad:

“That assist by Ederson was as good as you will see. What a talent that lad is, but there was still plenty for Gundo to do.

"City bossing it now and Spurs’ heads have gone down but we still have to see the last 15 out to get that sweet sixteenth win.

"Gundo in the form of his life and hope he’s OK.”

Spurs change

Gareth Bale on for Erik Lamela. Bit different weather to Madrid this

What a goal!!

Incredible and its Ederson with the assist!!!

A 70 yard arcing ball from the keeper finds Gundogan in space behind Sanchez and one on one with Lloris there is only one winner.

The ball nestles in the back of the net.

Its another goal for Ilkay, its surely another win for City and another marvellous moment for our German maestro.

Take a bow boys

Unsung hero Oleks

David Clayton at the Etihad:

“Great start to the second-half and gives us vital breathing space. City’s passing and work-rate has been exceptional all over the pitch.

"Spurs are a physical side but we are not getting pushed around. Got to say, Oleks Zinchenko is getting better and better this season. An unsung hero.”

Aaarghh...

Great work from Sterling sees him sweep past Ben Davies on the right flank and it takes a fine block from Ndombele to avert further potential damage for the visitors.

Leading men 💪

Worth bearing in mind that City haven't been behind in any game since that loss at Spurs in late November.

Ridiculously impressive really when you think about it.

Ederson saves!

A save of sorts for Ederson. Might at least warm him up.

Some great work from Kane allows Ndombele for fire in a deflected shot but, in fairness, it was meat and drink for our keeper.

Fallen idol

Foden is felled in the box under the challenge of Tanganga but nothing doing from the ref.

Goal machine

No way Jose

Fair to say that Jose Mourinho doesn't exactly convey the picture of happiness looking on from the touchline.

Big moment

2-0 against Spurs feels huge. Wonder what that will do the visitors morale and fitness levels.

City so impressive, so ambitious and so relentless.

Must be a nightmare to play against.

Wow... just wow 💙

Ilkay just can't stop scoring!!

Sterling the architect with a weaving run in the heart of the box he turns and tees up Ilkay and Gundo effectively toe pokes the ball home past Lloris.

That's 10 goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances.

Wunderbar!!

Back in business 💙

We are back in action at the Etihad.

More of the same, please lads!

Penalty prize guy

Nedum Onuoha on our penalty:

"It is a good penalty because he scored but I think LloRis will think he should save it. You know we were surprised to see Rodri step up but wouldn’t be surprised to see Ederson step up! It's crazy.

Work station

Joleon Lescott's first half take:

"We don’t get enough credit for the commitment. You see City dominate games with the ball but the work to get the ball back is a lot of hard work that goes into that."

Agreed!

Sitting pretty...

David Clayton at the Etihad: 

“City deserve the lead and we were so unlucky not to get a second when Jesus struck the ball.

"We’ve managed Spurs’ counter-attacks well so far but they are still a threat. Bernardo has been outstanding but just one of many good performances so far as the snow starts to fall at the Etihad.”

Half time 💙

So far, so good.

Rodrigo's penalty sends us in holding a crucial 1-0 lead at the break after Harry Kane had earlier hit the post for Spurs.

Sweep stakes

A rare touch for Ederson - albeit with his feet - as he comes out of his box to tidy up after Son tried to find Lamela.

So close

Brilliant break for Sterling on the right flank. He cuts into the box and finds the waiting Gundogan whose goalbound shot is blocked by Sanchez before Jesus fizzes the rebound just over the bar.

So nearly 2-0.

Frustration time

A bit of handbags between Lamela and Jesus with referee Tierney having stern words with the Tottenham man for some antics in the box.

A sign of Spurs' frustration perhaps.

Silva salvo

Bernardo has been bright and breezy so far this half.

No finer sight than our Portuguese marvel in full flight and he looks full of confidence and running once more.

Not this time...

Another penalty shout by City as Sterling's cross hits Davies in the box.

Nothing given but City pressing hard to try and double our advantage with Sterling and Foden having switched flanks.

Hot Rod!

From David Clayton at the Etihad:

“So Rodrigo is our new penalty-taker! He just squeezed it home and we needed that. A little worried that the ref didn’t take action on Lamela for that poor challenge on Jesus – he missed a foul on Bernardo earlier, too.

"We have to be careful when Kane is near the box as he knows how to buy a free-kick. So far, so good though.”

Forward march

Have to say, ahead of that goal I was getting a tad worried about the way Spurs were starting to threaten us going forward.

Hopefully the cushion of that lead will really free us up in terms of our own attack.

Spot on!!

It was a clumsy challenge from Hojbjerg on Gundogan earned us the penalty.

He looked aggrieved but he can have no complaints.

Rodri's first goal since last March's Carabao Cup final.

Perfect timing!

Deliverance

Lloris went the right way and got a touch to it but the power from Rodrigo's shot ensured it went over the line.

Just what we wanted!

Penalty City!!

Gundogan is brought down and Paul Tierney points to the spot.

Rodrigo to take

Off target

Spurs break at pace again trough Son and Lamela before Kane tries to audaciously beat Ederson with the outside of his right foot from outside the box.

City then counter before Zinchenko skies an equally ambitious shot high and wide..

Voice of approval

 From David Clayton at the Etihad:

“City have started well – keeping the ball is vital against a side who will look to counter quickly and Son playing wide on the left is constantly looking to get in behind our defence.

"Kyle Walker is leading the encouragement from the subs area just below the press box.”

Not this time...

Now Sterling drives down the left and finds Bernardo whose attempt to drill in an inviting ball is snuffed out.

Winging in

Cancelo drives down the right flank and does really well to fire in a teasing ball into the centre of the box but there is no-one there to try and force the issue

Tackle

Ndombele drives at the heart of the City and finds his way into our box before Stones stands tall and times his tackle to perfection.

Great work by the centre back.

Double block

A great ball from Cancelo finds Gundogan who, in turn, tees up the waiting Jesus in the box.

The Brazilian lets fly twice but Sanchez stands tall to block both efforts.

Flexible friends

City once again so fluid and flexible in our set up, the players movement already dragging Spurs this way and that.

Close!

Great work by Bernardo and Cancelo sees Foden cause panic in the Spurs half before HojbJerg digs clear

The fatigue factor?

Worth bearing in mind that Spurs played for 120 minutes in the course of their FA Cup loss to Everton in midweek.

Wil that be a factor as the match unfolds?

Off the mark

Rodrigo rises to meet our first corner with a powerful header but the effort goes over.

Just s sight setter that.

Up and at 'em

City straight into our groove, looking comfortable in possession and probing for openings with Foden starting on the right flank where he was so effective against Liverpool last weekend.

Kick-off 💙

We are underway at the Etihad.

COME ON, CITY!!!

Almost ready...💙

Teams are in the tunnel.

We're almost good to go - can't wait.

ICYMI how we line up today...

Regal Raheem 👑

Joleon Lescott on Raz:

"I think Raheem is taken for granted. He was brilliant at Liverpool. I think it's the best he's played so I’m excited to see him again.

"We're used to seeing Raheem do what he does so it's sometimes downplayed."

Yes please!!

The numbers game...

Phil yer boots time!!

Prediction time from the WNRH team!!

Stat attack (part three)...📈

🔹 City have won seven of the past 10 league meetings at the Etihad Stadium, only losing on 14 February 2016.

 🔹 Son Heung-min has scored six goals in his past eight appearances against Manchester City in all competitions.

 🔹 Harry Kane only averages a Premier League goal every 428 minutes versus Manchester City, his worst record against any of the 30 teams he has faced in the division. Kane has scored twice in 10 appearances in this fixture, but none in the last six.

Prize guy Phil 🏆

All bases covered

Joleon Lescott on City's set-up:

"It's evident that Pep has the protection he needs with the back two. 

We isolate the wingers and the full backs come inside so you have the two centre backs and then a three so there is always five covering making it easier against the counter."

A keen rivalry

There's a long tradition of great games between Spurs and City and, hopefully, today will provide the latest chapter.

Thrown in the latest meeting as managers for Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho - plus the fact we will meet again in the Carabao Cup final in April - and you have all the ingredients for a cracking clash.

Can't wait!

Big win elsewhere

It's full time at Selhurst Park and a hugely impressive 3-0 win for Burnley at Crystal Palace.

Another reminder - as Pep keeps saying - that the Premier League is ultra competitive and nothing can be taken for granted.

And so say all of us...

Game changer Ilkay

 Nedum Onuoha on Ilkay Gundogan:

"No one saw this being possible. He doesn’t just score goals he scores big goals.

"You look around and he tries to make a positive impact, linking play and he’s thriving at the moment in the big moments, there when it matters most."

Reporting for duty...🙋‍♂️

Ice Station Etihad!

Club journalist David Clayton reporting from a very chilly Etihad Stadium:

“It is freezing here at the Etihad. My fingers are numb, feet like blocks of ice and, just for good measure, there’s an icy wind chill on the breeze. 

"A sell-out home crowd and we’d just about get away with it, but not in an empty stadium.

"Still, the pitch looks fantastic, the team looks great and Sergio is back on the bench for what is going to be a very tricky game.”

Brazilian blend...

Joleon Lescott on Gabriel Jesus:

"I think he could play out wide and Phil or Raheem go through the middle. The rotation suits his game style.

"He doesn’t like to be isolated in the middle. I think he's played more away from the number nine and he can contribute in other ways."

Not too shabby!

Gundo staying grounded

He and City may be flying at the mo, but Ilkay Gundogan says no-one at the Club is getting carried despite our stunning run of form over the past few months.

Instead, as always, the focus is on staying humble and addressing the next challenge ahead of us...

Ilkay Gundogan:

 “It (the mood) is a very positive one at the moment as you can imagine.

“We are very happy, not just happy about the results that we have got recently, but we are happy about the way we are playing at the moment.

“We are grateful, we don’t take it for granted and we will try to continue like that.

“It is very important to stay humble."

Stat attack (part two)...📈

 🔹 Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is the Premier League's leading scorer in 2021 with seven goals in eight appearances. His previous seven league goals came over a period of 62 games.

 🔹 Spurs have won just one of their past six top-flight away fixtures (D3, L2). They could lose consecutive away league games for the first time since October 2019.

 🔹 Tottenham are winless in 24 away fixtures against the team starting the day top of the table since beating Blackburn in November 1992 (D3, L21).

Now that would be a story!

Team news and tactics...📃

And here's how the visitors line up...

Here's how we line up tonight... ⚽️

Pep Guardiola makes five changes from the side that won 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round at Swansea in midweek.

Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodrigo, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are all retained with Ederson, Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Oleks Zinchenko and Phil Foden coming into the starting eleven.

And there is a welcome return to the bench for Sergio Aguero after 11 games on the sidelines.

CITY XI: Ederson; Cancelo; Laporte; Stones; Zinchenko; Rodrigo; Gundogan; Bernardo; Sterling; Jesus; Foden

Subs: Steffen; Walker, Dias, Mendy, Garcia, Doyle, Torres, Aguero, Mahrez

All around the world... 🌍

Here's hoping!...🙏

Stat attack...📈

 🔹 City have only conceded three goals in our past 14 league games.

 🔹 We can also equal the club record of seven successive home clean sheets in all competitions, set from December 1946 to March 1947.

 🔹 Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have faced each other in 24 games, with Guardiola leading by 10 wins to seven.

And January was another stellar month for the boss! 💙

How good has this guy been this season? 💙

A winning recipe, I'd say!

One of our own...💙

Looking sharp, Joseph!

Elsewhere today...

It's a busy Saturday in the Premier League with four games in total taking place today.

There has already been a significant result in the day's early kick-off with Leicester City coming from behind with three goals in the last 10 minutes to beat Liverpool 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.

That result lifted the Foxes up into second place in the table four points behind us but with Leicester having played two games more.

Meanwhile Burnley are currently 3-0 up away at Crystal Palace early in the second half.

The day's late kick-off sees Brighton play host to Aston Villa.

Read all about it...📰

Momentum men 💙

City's form since we met Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in late November has been little short of staggering.

In the wake of that 2-0 setback, Guardiola's squad have assembled one of the most impressive runs of form in English history.

 22 games unbeaten in all competitions, a 15 game winning streak and 10 straight league victories.

That would be out of this world in any season - but in this of all campaigns given the impact of COVID-19, it's mind blowing.

As ever, the focus for Pep and the players is on the next task in hand - but that form is worthy of the highest praise possible.

Just remarkable.

Early team news 📋

 🔹 Sergio Aguero, who has missed 11 games for coronavirus-related reasons, could be available for City.

 🔹 Ruben Dias and Rodrigo are expected to recover in time from illness and injury respectively but Fernandinho will miss out with a thigh problem.

 🔹 Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho said a scan for Gareth Bale this week did not reveal any injury but the forward will decide whether he feels able to play.

Ton-up Sterling

Get yer thermals out!

Derby delight!! 💙

It's your shout! 📱

As ever, we want to hear your thoughts ahead of today's big game.

How are you feeling ahead of this one? What would your ideal line-up be? Score predictions?

Let us know using #WNRH on Twitter and your tweets could feature here in the Matchday Centre and on the We're Not Really Here show.

Matchday greetings! ⚽

Hello, and a very good afternoon to you all!

The games keep on coming for City as we return both to the Etihad and the Premier League as we welcome Tottenham Hotspur for yet another crucial encounter.

It's an 17.30pm (UK) kick-off at the Etihad and you can follow all the action right here in our Matchday Centre. 

I’ll be bringing you live updates throughout the pre-match build-up, as well as all the big game action and post-match reaction as we bid to maintain our incredible perfect start to 2021, and make it 16 yes 16, wins on the bounce so do stay tuned!

City v Spurs | See you at 3.30pm!

Join us right here at 3.30pm for live text updates throughout the day and into the evening. 

And at 4.30pm, We're Not Really Here gets under way when Nedum Onuoha and Joleon Lescott will be our guests. 

Highlights will be available to watch at 9.15pm and CITY+ subscribers can watch a full 90-minute replay from midnight. 

It's a big game - and we'll bring you full coverage on ManCity.com. 

Some real quality in here

Mourinho on Gareth Bale's fitness

"The scan did not show an injury but his feelings were still there. As coaches, medical people, we can never go against the player feelings.

"So he was not ready for the game [in midweek]. It's as simple as that. If he's ready for tomorrow he's selected for tomorrow."

More from Pep

"The secret is to have good players.

"A strong club with good players - there are no more secrets. You cannot do big things without big players and big players cost money.

"When people say Manchester City win because Pep spent money, I say this is true. Absolutely true. Without intelligent players, good skills, good quality, it is impossible.

"We work a lot, have a strong society that supports a lot and the most important thing is to have top, top talented players.

"Without that you can win and lose. In the big clubs that demand you win, win, win and win titles."

Pep on City's turning point

City are unbeaten since we lost at Tottenham back in November - a 22-game streak in all competitions, including winning our last 15 on the bounce. 

Guardiola was asked if that game was the turning point...

 “It wasn’t specifically that game.

“It was the game after - West Bromwich -  that we could win because of three incredible chances at the end. After that game I had a feeling this isn't a team I can recognise. I didn't like what I saw.

“We could have won at Tottenham and West Bromwich, but I didn’t like [the way we played]. We talked with Juanma [Lillo], Rodolfo [Borrell], Manel [Estiarte], Txiki [Begiristain] and I said we have to come back to our first principle.

 “We started to rebuild and reconstruct the team from that point. We had success in the past and [we had to] come back on our positional play, move the ball quicker, do more passes, stay more in position, run less with the ball.” 

Tight defence

We have only conceded three goals in our last 14 league games. 

And we can equal the club record of seven successive home clean sheets in all competitions, set from December 1946 to March 1947. 

OTD

Update from the boss