What was a City second string left it late to see off Spurs, Chris Hughton made 10 changes in his selection for last night's game only Michael Turner holding on to his place, he handed a first start to Steven Whittacker after a long battle with injury, and with Butterfield maing only his second appearence playing in the Hoolahan role behind the striker.
As expected Spurs came with a very strong squad, but decided to leave some of their star names on the bench namely Defoe,Huddlestone, Vertonghen, Cudicini, Lennon.
After the inevitable goal from Gareth Bale which looked to be just enough to take Spurs through to the quater final, Hughton made his changes on came Tettey Holt and Jackson coming on for Fox, Surman and Butterfield.
With this City moved up a gear or two and started to threaten with about seven minutes remaining on the clock ; Spurs failed to effectively clear their lines Tettey pounced on the poor clearance but his volley looked to be heading wide took a deflection off Vertonghen and found the bottom corner of the net.
Two minutes later and City took the lead as Holt showing great strength to hold off and beat two defenders to meet a Snodgrass’ free-kick, getting in a header that keeper Lloris could only parry the ball into the path of Jackson, who gleefully hammered home.
If that wasn't enough drama to end an nothing to write home about sort of game, Spurs went up the other end and were awarded a very soft penalty, where the linesman ajudged Tierney to have tripped Kyle Walker. Looking at the replays I think you could add Walker.s name to latest list of a Footballers Diving team. Clint Dempsey stepped up and saw his well struck penalty brilliantly saved by Bunn; who had, had an exceptional evening between the posts making a string of top class saves.
Injury time was extended after Turner recieved a cut to the top of his head but saw out the remaining time with a bandaged head reminiscent of a Terry Butcher style.
If the drama of the last few minutes on the pitch wasn't enough for some, the draw threw out the absolute classic and one City fans perhaps longed for, a home tie with old boss Paul Lambert's Aston Villa. The script could not have been written better for Hughton;s lads and of course City' Yellow army. Although I am not so sure Lambert will be relishing a return to Norfolk with a semi final place awaiting the victors.
Funny old game football !
The victory over our North London rivals contained an element of luck, something which hasn't always smiled on City but as Chris Hughton put it.
“Sometimes you need that little bit of fortune, but you’ve got to be in the right place,