Manchester City's Erling Haaland scored the winner as the champions moved back into the top four with a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

Haaland, who returned to action after missing Sunday's 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool through injury, put Pep Guardiola's side ahead in the 12th minute when he turned in Jeremy Doku's low cross.

The Norwegian could have added to his tally as City dominated the opening exchanges, with home goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario making good saves from him and Doku, while Savinho tipped a great chance over the bar.

Haaland also had an injury-time goal ruled out for offside after City had survived a Tottenham siege.

City's first-half profligacy almost proved costly as Tottenham dominated the second half, with Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel going close and Son Heung-min denied by Ederson after coming off the bench.

After Haaland's late effort was disallowed, Tottenham almost snatched a point when Pape Matar Sarr headed over the bar.

City avoided a third defeat to Tottenham this season and moved up to fourth on 47 points from 27 games.

But it was another mixed bag of a performance from Pep Guardiola's side, who held out in the second half after completely dominating the first.

Ultimately, though, the night was all about Haaland, who took his Premier League tally to 83 goals in 92 games.

"Of course it's never nice to be injured and not play but it's about looking forward and staying positive," Haaland said of his return. "We can only do things about the present and future, today was all about winning.

"I try to be in the box and if people want to pass me the ball I try to finish in the back of the net."

He was involved in the flowing City move that led to his goal, helping the ball out to Doku before popping up in front of goal and slotting an easy finish past Vicario.