It's time to bounce back

Les Chapman

OF course we all saw that Manchester City endured a serious off-day on Sunday, in that 4-0 defeat at Everton.

City didn't play well obviously, while every single one of the Everton players looked to be right on top of their game.

They battled well and caused City no end of problems.

It was probably one of their best all-round team performances in quite some time, while for City, they were under-par and that's what can happen in the Premier League.

Matches certainly won't be getting easier, and that is highlighted by the fact that Tottenham are next at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening (5.30pm kick-off).

UNDERSTATEMENT

To say this will be a big game will be something of an understatement.

When City are playing the teams who are above them it really is crucial they get a positive result.

It's vital that they get back into the top four sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately it might be difficult to get back to the top of the table any time soon - admittedly that would be a quite remarkable achievement - but City need to keep pace with Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and United.

It's going to be so tough against Spurs, though.

They are a team full of confidence at the moment, and they are packed with quality players.

They were in great form against West Brom at the weekend.

We all know how good a striker Harry Kane is, and he was on fire in that West Brom game.

Eriksen, Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris in goal - Spurs are full of top-drawer players.

It's going to be a really tough game, but City have to bounce back from the Goodison Park defeat.