On a day where Harry Kane quite rightly dominated the headlines after becoming Tottenham's all-time top goalscorer, Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini had a number of standout performers to choose from in their 1-0 win over Man City. Spurs were outstanding across the park from the very first minute right up until the last.
Giving Pep Guardiola's team an almighty scare just over two weeks ago as they led 2-0 at the break at the Etihad Stadium, this time they ensured there was no comeback from City as their wretched record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continued. Travelling to N17 five times since the stadium opened its doors in March 2019, City have now lost all five games and not even scored a goal in that time.
It is an incredible record and one that gives all hope that Tottenham can achieve their top-four aspirations once again come May. Tottenham most definitely laid down a marker on Sunday evening, with a number of players stepping up the plate and at the top of their game.
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Son Heung-min, coming into the fixture on the back of a confidence-boosting double away at Preston North End last week, set the tone inside the opening two minutes with an incredible run from the edge of his own area that was awfully reminiscent of his wonder goal against Burnley in December 2019. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was everywhere across the 90 minutes, notably putting Rico Lewis under intense pressure to force Kane's opener, with Emerson Royal undoubtedly delivering his best performance in a Tottenham shirt with new right wing-back Pedro Porro watching on from the substitutes' bench.
Tottenham had to be on their game at the back coming up against Erling Haaland and Co, especially after a devastating 18-minute period at the Etihad Stadium downed them when the sides last met. They were exactly that and more as they frustrated City and delivered them a hammer blow in the title race, one day after Arsenal had lost 1-0 at Everton.
Emerson may have been the pick of the backline for many but Eric Dier was perhaps the unsung hero of the 1-0 win and someone who deserves the plaudits. Facing such a challenge coming up against Haaland, the centre-back and his fellow defenders totally nullified the powerful Norwegian as the striker didn't even register a shot on goal. It was in fact the first Premier League game in which he has failed to have on shot on target.
Dier's interventions proved crucial to Tottenham coming out on top as he produced some outstanding blocks to ensure Hugo Lloris remained largely untroubled. His one to deny Julian Alvarez midway through the second half was the pick of the bunch as he stopped the Argentine's goalbound effort from finding the net. It was that good that the 29-year-old even clenched his fists and celebrated diverting the attempt away from the target.
Dier may not have known much about his block as it struck his thigh but it was a defining moment as a goal at that stage of the contest could have completely changed the outcome of the match. Contributing to the win with two blocks, Dier also made four clearances, four headed clearances, five recoveries and he won three of his five aerial duels.
He was a colossus in defence but he also had an impact at the other end of the pitch. Urging the Tottenham team forward when Ederson had the ball leading up to Kane's opener, he also saw a couple of efforts blocked in the area and he constantly pushed up the pitch to add to the numbers in the middle.
Dier may have come in for criticism at times this season for defensive lapses but this was him at his very best as he didn't give Haaland a sniff. It was no surprise to see assistant head coach Stellini, who was in charge in Conte's absence, come over to him at the full-time whistle and give him a huge hug before sharing a few words and a laugh.
Starting the month as they mean to go on, Tottenham face some key games against Leicester City, AC Milan, West Ham and Chelsea before February draws to a close. Making big strides this time last year in their top-four quest, which included a win over Man City, another good February could put Conte's men firmly on track to achieving their goals come May.
Dier has a key part to play in their plans, with his performance against City hopefully a sign of things to come. Tottenham may be looking to strengthen at the back next season with two defensive additions but the long-serving player demonstrated that he still has a lot more to offer the north London side going forward.
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