City 4-1 Spurs - Mauricio's verdict

Mauricio Pochettino felt the scoreline at City didn’t reflect our performance against the champions.

Key moments certainly went against us at the Etihad Stadium, none more so than the game-defining spell between 60 and 70 minutes.

With the game poised at 2-1 in the 61st minute, Roberto Soldado was tripped by Martin Demichelis and referee Jonathan Moss pointed to the spot for the third time.

Roberto stepped up but Joe Hart guessed right to turn away the spot-kick.

Minutes later, Danny Rose crossed from the left and Roberto hit a snap-shot from 14 yards that Hart kept out with his legs.

Moments later, Jesus Navas broke down the right and looked for Sergio Aguero, who went down under Federico Fazio’s challenge. A fourth penalty was awarded, Federico was sent off and Aguero made no mistake for his hat-trick and 3-1.

The Argentine hitman soon bagged his fourth and it was all over.

We created early chances - Ryan Mason denied by Hart - and recovered from Aguero’s opener to level through Christian Eriksen. Aguero’s first penalty made it 2-1 and he was then denied from the spot again by Hugo Lloris.

The stats showed a final shot count of 20-19 and that just about summed up the afternoon.

“I’m really disappointed with the result because it doesn’t reflect the situation in the game,” said Mauricio.

“For me, there were two key moments, the Soldado penalty and the penalty in the first half, Lamela (foul on Lampard), the first penalty.

“But this is football. It’s important to take the positives and try to improve. We never gave up.”

Mauricio also sent a message of thanks to our supporters who faced an early start to travel to Manchester for the 12.45pm kick-off.

“They were unbelievable and created a big atmosphere for us,” he said. “It’s just a shame we can’t offer them three points or a good result today.”