Erling Haaland reveals his feelings as Manchester City are on the brink of history

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Erling Haaland has urged his Manchester City team-mates to “relax” ahead of Sunday’s final day after they moved within striking distance of history with a 2-0 win at Tottenham.

City returned to the Premier League summit with victory in their game in hand on Tuesday night after Haaland’s second-half brace ensured they moved two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

It means a win against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium would see City win their fourth successive league title – a feat never before achieved in the top tier of English football.

“Yeah, fantastic mentality,” Haaland told City+. “Focus on game by game and now relax.

“We came here to try to win and we won.

“Concentrate on the next match and try not to think too much. Let’s all get together and get this over with.”

Much of the pre-match narrative surrounded how sections of Spurs fans were happy to lose, given what a positive result against Pep Guardiola’s side would mean for north London title rivals Arsenal.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s side made a strong start and undoubtedly overcame an even first half played in front of a subdued home crowd.

Haaland leveled the game six minutes into the second half when he slotted home after Kevin De Bruyne got in behind the Tottenham defence, but the hosts recovered and went close to a late equalizer when Son Heung-min overrun with four minutes remaining.

City back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, brought on in the 69th minute after Ederson took a shot in front of Cristian Romero, rose to make a crucial save which Guardiola believes could be crucial in the race for title.

Haaland then slotted home a penalty six minutes later after Jeremy Doku was brought down by Pedro Porro to put City on the brink.

“They are a fantastic team,” Haaland said of Spurs. “You know everybody knows they want to play all the time and all the credit to them.

“It was very difficult, but yes, we came here to try to win and we won. It’s my only thing and I’m happy.

“I think we were a little nervous. I think it’s normal, there are a lot of emotions for everyone.

“Everybody knows the situation, but it’s not to think too much. Try to focus on the things you have to do and try to win.”

He added: “Ortega, man of the match… What can I say? He’s incredible and such a good guy, so I’m happy for him.”

Postecoglou was left disappointed by a number of aspects of the night as Spurs’ top four hopes officially ended.

The 58-year-old was also caught on camera in a heated exchange with a fan behind the Tottenham dugout during the game, but – on a more positive note – helped make it a night to remember for Mikey Moore, age 16.

Moore was introduced in stoppage time and became the youngest player to represent Spurs in the Premier League.

“He still has a long way to go, he’s only 16, he’s a great kid, but it’s a reward,” Postecoglou said.

“We trained him with us and he didn’t even play under-21s. We thought it wouldn’t be fair not to reward his hard work with an appearance.”

Striker Moore, who has scored 16 times in 14 appearances for Spurs’ under-18s this season, told SpursPlay: “Come on, it’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever had, to be fair.

“The pace, it was so fast, but it felt crazy. I felt like I was playing FIFA. He was crazy.

“We got a few touches on the ball and hopefully a few more soon.”