Tottenham star reveals 'personal' Man City vendetta after Carabao Cup triumph

Dejan Kulusevski openly admits he relishes the challenge of facing Manchester City, suggesting he takes it "personally" when facing the Premier League champions.

The Spurs winger contributed two assists against City in Wednesday's 2-1 Carabao Cup win, helping set up a quarter-final clash with Manchester United.

The Swedish forward, flourishing in a creative role under Ange Postecoglou, has been particularly prolific against City, tallying more goals and assists against them than against any other team during Pep Guardiola's time in charge.

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Following his pivotal role in Tottenham's midweek success, Kulusevski told the Mirror: "I knew I had to do something important as it's an amazing game to play against this team.

"I take it personally to play against City, I promised myself that I was going to have a good game and I think I did."

He stressed that his dynamic performance was not a response to Spurs' loss at Crystal Palace last Sunday, but rather, it stemmed from his ambition to test himself against top teams.

Kulusevski added: "It wasn't about Palace, no, it's just because it's City. I love to play against the best because it's extra-motivating.

"It's a personal thing, everybody that is close to me knows it and I knew that I was going to shine because I prepared for this game for a long time. I knew I had to perform and I did. I've played City away three times and scored three times. There is no fear. In fact, it's the complete opposite of fear.

Kulusevski has set his sights on Aston Villa but is