Man City 2 Tottenham 2: Gabriel Jesus denied stoppage-time winner by VAR as champions frustrated

VAR once again denied Manchester City in stoppage time as the champions were left frustrated in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling opened the scoring on 20 minutes after a well-worked team move, but Tottenham were level just three minutes later through Erik Lamela.

City went back in front when Sergio Aguero slotted home on 35 minutes but despite having several chances to add to their lead, Lucas Moura scored just 15 seconds after coming on to level for a second time.

Gabriel Jesus thought he had scored a stoppage-time winner but VAR intervened after Aymeric Laporte was adjudged to have handled in the build-up.

Pep Guardiola had heaped praise on his managerial counterpart Mauricio Pochettino before the game, crediting the Argentine for the "extraordinary" job he has done in his five years at Tottenham.

But the Catalan had no intention of being so magnanimous on the pitch as he recalled Bernardo Silva to the starting XI, with Fernandinho left on the bench. Pochettino made the surprise decision to start Christian Eriksen, despite doubts over his future at the club.

City began on the front foot and with a clear plan: to send Sterling in behind the young full-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

The hosts felt they should have had a penalty when Lamela appeared to wrestle Rodri to the ground.

However, Michael Oliver appeared to miss the incident and VAR was not used, much to City's incredulity.

But after dominating the first quarter of the game, the champions went ahead with a brilliant team goal. Kevin De Bruyne found Sterling with a pinpoint deep cross and the 24-year-old headed beyond Hugo Lloris from a tight angle at the far post.

Spurs weren't behind for long, despite being up against it. Tanguy Ndombele found Lamela racing beyond him and the Argentine, given space and time on the ball, curled a low shot beyond Ederson, who was unusually far off his line.

City began to dominate again and soon got their reward when De Bruyne's low cross found Aguero and he slotted beyond Lloris from close range.

The champions had various opportunities to extend their lead, with Sterling and Bernardo going close before the Portuguese hit the crossbar with a looped effort.

Pochettino turned to his bench in search of an equaliser and brought on Lucas as Spurs lined up for a corner. Just 15 seconds later, the Brazilian was celebrating after jumping high to head beyond Ederson.

Aguero was substituted midway through the second half with Jesus coming on in his place and the 30-year-old was involved in a heated discussion with Guardiola as he made his way to his seat.

The pair continued their disagreement before the Catalan had the last word.

The change nearly paid off immediately as Jesus weaved through the Spurs defence, linking up with De Bruyne, but had two shots charged down by Davinson Sanchez and then Toby Alderweireld.

Jesus then thought he had his moment. Laporte flicked on a De Bruyne corner and when it reached the Brazilian, he curled home through a crowd of players.

But some 30 seconds after City had celebrated, Mr Oliver pointed to his microphone. It had been disallowed for a fairly innocuous handball in the build-up.

City were furious, knowing that for the second time in four months they had been denied by VAR in stoppage time against Tottenham.

The north London side can make their way back home knowing they secured a point against the odds, but the debate regarding the controversial decision system will surely rumble on for some time.

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