Champions League - Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City: 5 Hits and Flops

#2 Hit: Aymeric Laporte

Laporte in possession with Alli lurking behind as Spurs adopted a successful pressing approach

While Otamendi faltered, Laporte quietly shone as Manchester City's best defender again on this occasion. It's something the Frenchman has done regularly this term and performing by example is exactly the approach Pep wants his players to adopt.

Tottenham's high pressing tactic ruffled feathers early on but Ederson and Laporte were unfazed to say the least, even with many around them panicking upon occasion. It became apparent soon afterwards that this wasn't the type of game that Laporte could afford to coast through: he needed to remain alert and ready to cut out Spurs attacks in their tracks.

Just like against Brighton on Saturday, he thrived in the role as the hosts' kryptonite. They relished running against Otamendi and taking turns trying to outsmart him, but Laporte often stood firm and regularly made interventions to keep them at bay from his side.

Naturally, he wasn't without fault either but unlike his centre-back partner, he didn't flinch nor make needless mistakes to gift Spurs renewed hope in their attempts to break the deadlock. Two aerial duels won, one tackle and block to go alongside a game-high nine clearances - he battled hard against Dele Alli and impressed when called upon, even with a booking to his name for an hour.