Tottenham staged an impressive second-half comeback to force this FA Cup fourth round tie into a replay. Manchester City took the lead early on when Nicolas Anelka fired home from close range after Robbie Fowler's header had hit the post.
But Spurs, inspired by second-half substitute Stephane Dalmat, hit back when Gary Doherty powered home Helder Postiga's corner.
Spurs had chances to win the game, but City survived the onslaught.
City got off to a bright start and lifted their game for the occasion depite playing in front of a far from full City of Manchester Stadium.
In contrast, Spurs failed to rouse from their Sunday slumber as they laboured to produce anything resembling their recent good form.
City were first to the ball, with Michael Tarnat providing some useful ammunition for the likes of Anelka and Fowler in attack.
Indeed, Tarnat sprayed a sumptuous crossfield ball which Fowler controlled beautifully before unleashing a well-struck shot that Kasey Keller pushed away for a corner.
Tarnat whipped in the resulting corner which Doherty failed to clear. Sylvain Distin directed the ball back towards Fowler, whose header struck the post.
But Anelka was on hand to volley home the rebound from close range to give City the lead on 11 minutes.
The home side had chances to extend their lead, but failed to convert.
Richard Dunne headed wide, Keller stood his ground well when Anelka seemed set to add a second, while Claudio Reyna should have done better with a lobbed effort just before the break.
In truth, Spurs threatened the City goal only once in the first half and Robbie Keane's jinking run afforded Simon Davies a shot, which Kevin Ellegaard saved well.
Spurs brought on Dalmat and Johnnie Jackson after the interval in an attempt to inject some vigour into their play.
Dalmat immediately fired in a cross from the right that found Keane in the area, the Irishman forcing Ellegaard into a save.
Spurs then laid seige to the City goal and Doherty headed in Postiga's corner after Ellegaard failed to collect.
Doherty almost produced a carbon copy of his first goal moments later and then produced a timely block at the other end to cut out Fowler's pass to Anelka.
The transformation in Spurs' game was marked, while City looked a shadow of their first-half selves.
Tottenham kept pressing and completely bossed City as the north London club looked to capitalise on their domination.
Keane and Postiga were a constant threat, and the latter wasted a glorious opportunity late on when he headed over from close range after Keane provided a teasing cross.
City staged a grandstand finish and substitute Jon Macken should have stolen the tie when he was played through by Reyna, but his shot flew wide of Keller's post.
It is now back to White Hart Lane, where Tottenham will fancy their chances in the replay.
