Manchester City's third straight league defeat, a 2-1 reverse at home to Tottenham, sees them slip to 12th place in the Premier League table and on the fringes of the relegation places. To add to boss Mark Hughes' worries City ended the game with nine men following the dismissals of Gelson Fernandes and Richard Dunne.

And all this after Robinho had given the home side an early lead.

"We started very brightly but losing Gelson made it very difficult for us," said Hughes

"I'm not sure he's made any contact and the referee needs to take into consideration the conditions.

"I thought the players showed fantastic character and we really forced the issue and Spurs were hanging on at the end."