Bent on the double

Bent struck in the 29th and 65th minutes to give new manager Harry Redknapp another huge boost.

City made the breakthrough thanks to Robinho but then had Gelson Fernandes and Richard Dunne sent off. Tottenham also had a man dismissed, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto given his marching orders on the stroke of full-time.

City were left cursing their luck, having taken the lead through Robinho.

The Brazilian found the target from close range, after Darius Vassell's effort had been parried - with Shaun Wright-Phillips also playing a part in a swift counter-attack.

They lost the advantage, after having Fernandes sent off 10 minutes later for two bookable fouls - the first on Luka Modric, the second on David Bentley.

Modric almost pulled Spurs level two minutes later, only to be denied by a splendid block from Joe Hart. They did not have long to wait for the equaliser, however, Bent providing an assured finish in the 29th minute.

And Spurs went ahead in the 65th minute when Bent rattled a shot in off the post.

City were reduced to nine in the 83rd minute when Dunne was given a straight red card, after referee Mike Dean adjudged he had hauled back Bent as he homed in on goal.

Tottenham then found themselves down to 10 on the stroke off full-time, Assou-Ekotto red-carded for a challenge on Pablo Zabaleta.