Sweet 16 for Man City as Tottenham

MANCHESTER CITY 3 Rodri (pen 23), Gundogan (50, 66) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 Ilkay Gundogan struck a second-half double as Premier League leaders Manchester City powered to a record-extending 16th successive win with a 3-0 success over Tottenham.

The in-form German took his goal tally for the season to 13 as he added to Rodri’s 23rd-minute penalty at the Etihad Stadium.

Gundogan was also responsible for winning the spot-kick in another outstanding display, but his evening ended prematurely as he went off injured soon after his superbly-taken second goal on 66 minutes.

The win extended City’s lead at the top of the table to seven points and their overall unbeaten run in all competitions – since losing to Spurs in November – to 23 games. Their 16-match winning run, again in all competitions, is a record for an English top-flight side.

They showed their intent early with Gabriel Jesus having two shots blocked in quick succession.

Spurs went close to taking the lead when Harry Kane hit the woodwork from a freekick in the 14th minute.

The England captain had worryingly clutched his ankle after being fouled by Aymeric Laporte, but he was soon on his feet and unlucky to see his curling effort strike the top of the post.

City made the most of that reprieve to hit the front themselves after Gundogan was brought down in the area by Pierre-emile Hojbjerg.

A week ago, Gundogan had been the designated penalty-taker himself, but after missing against Liverpool, this time he deferred to Rodri.

It looked at one point as though goalkeeper Ederson was interested in taking it as the Brazilian wandered up to the halfway line, but – despite speculation he may one day get the job – his turn will have to wait.

Hugo Lloris almost got a hand to it, but Rodri’s