Tottenham Hotspur stretched their fine start to the Premier League season with an impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, August 23, making it back-to-back wins under new boss Thomas Frank.
The result brought back memories of last November, when Spurs dismantled City 4-0 at the same venue. Once again, Pep Guardiola’s men were undone by Tottenham’s disciplined defending and ruthless finishing.
City looked sharp in the opening stages. Omar Marmoush tested Guglielmo Vicario with two efforts, while Erling Haaland almost slipped him through on goal. Despite City’s pressure, it was Spurs who struck first.
Richarlison broke down the right flank and squared for Brennan Johnson, who slotted home from close range. The flag initially went up for offside, but VAR confirmed the goal.
Just before half-time, City gifted Tottenham another. Goalkeeper James Trafford’s poor clearance fell kindly to Joao Palhinha, who smashed in his first goal for Spurs since joining on loan from Bayern Munich.
Trafford’s afternoon only got more nervy. He collided with Mohammed Kudus outside the box in a moment that had fans questioning whether he should have seen red. Meanwhile, Haaland missed City’s best chance, heading over from close range.
After the break, Tottenham stood firm and looked dangerous on the counter. Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert came close to adding a third, but Trafford denied both. Still, the visitors managed the game well and secured the points.
It was a statement win in what has been a rollercoaster week for Spurs. Anger had simmered among fans after transfer target Eberechi Eze opted for Arsenal, with chants against chairman Daniel Levy ringing out early in the match. By full-time, though, the away end was in full celebration.
For Guardiola, the defeat adds to a frustrating pattern. Tottenham remain his bogey side, with the Spaniard now having lost 10 times to them—more than against any club except Real Madrid and Liverpool.
City now face questions about their goalkeeper situation. With Ederson linked to a move to Galatasaray and Trafford under scrutiny, Guardiola may be forced into a big decision before next weekend’s trip to Brighton.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum when they welcome Bournemouth next Saturday.
